Skip to content

Gary A. & Mary Ruth Roberts Advisory Fund

Established 1999

Gary A. & Mary Ruth Roberts
Gary A. & Mary Ruth Roberts

The Gary A. & Mary Ruth Roberts Advisory Fund was created by Gary and Mary Ruth Roberts to support their philanthropic objectives.

Gary and Mary Ruth Roberts are lifelong residents of the Aurora area.

Mr. Roberts was born in Marion, Illinois. His family moved to Aurora when he was three years old.

Upon graduation from East Aurora High School, he entered the military.  In 1946 and 1947, Mr. Roberts served as a Lieutenant in the 1st Cavalry Division in Japan.

He was employed by the Freeman United Coal Mining Company for thirty-nine years.  He retired in 1987 having achieved the position of Vice-President of Sales.

Upon retirement, Mr. Roberts enjoyed volunteering at Provena Mercy Medical Center where he served for seven years as a member of the board of directors.

He also volunteered for the Waubonsee Literacy Program, Holy Angels Food Pantry, Hesed House and Holy Angels School.

Mary Ruth Roberts (1928-2022) was a graduate of West Aurora High School.

She continued her studies at the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Evanston, Illinois.  She graduated from St. Francis and later from Loyola University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.

As a long-time cancer survivor, Mrs. Roberts was active with the American Cancer Society where she volunteered for thirty-five years as director of the Reach to Recovery Program.

She also was a director of The Aurora Foundation, now known as the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, from 1986 to 1998.

Her other activities included serving as a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Angels Church, and volunteering for the Waubonsee Literacy Program, Provena Mercy Medical Center, Holy Angels School, and Hesed House. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are the proud parents of five children and eleven grandchildren.

As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I was worried about how I was going to pay for books and supplies. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies instead of worrying about how to afford college. I am working to not only create opportunities for myself but to motivate future generations. Thank you so much for helping me along this journey!

Moises J.

Claude & Alice Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipient

…you can always start small, even $25 can make a difference. Remember we can’t take our money with us. Even if it’s just your gift of time. Volunteer and get involved.

Cris Anderson

Cristina & Thomas S. Anderson Endowment Fund | Tom & Cris Anderson Colonial Advisory Fund

A community foundation is a donor-driven organization that helps donors custom-design funds that reflect their charitable interests. Through the years, grants from these funds have made a significant impact on our local communities.

Sharon Stredde

President Emeritus

Thank you very much for supporting my college education for these four years. I will never be able to repay you for the opportunity that this scholarship has given to me.

Julia H.

[Renewing Scholarship Recipient] Graduate of Hinkley-Big Rock High School

There’s no question in my mind that the scholarship I received opened up possibilities.

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

We chose the Community Foundation because of its reputation. It’s well known, established and we can trust them to do the job for us.

Dick Schindel

Richard and Susan Schindel Scholarship Funds

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

Install Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

Install this application on your home screen for quick and easy access when you’re on the go.

Just tap then “Add to Home Screen”

Accessibility Toolbar