TAMA-Ernest Roberts III, age 37, of Tama, died Thursday, January 28, 2010 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. A Traditional Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Meskwaki Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama with Michael Keahna as speaker. A Traditional Wake will be held Friday evening at the Michael Keahna Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama. Pallbearers are Jerry Youngbear Jr., Frank Blackcloud, Shawn Benson, Virgil Lasley, Brent Lasley, Nader Buffalo, Homer Bear Jr. and Head Pallbearer Jonathan Buffalo. Honorary Pallbearers are Ryan VanRees and Tom Crone.
Ernest was born on November 11, 1972, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Inez Youngbear and Ernie Roberts Jr.
He graduated from South Tama High School. He was known to all as "Beets". Ernest spent a lot of time sketching. He liked going to movies and spending his free time with his friends and family. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his mom watching "Golden Girls". Ernest was adored by his many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Roberts; maternal grandmother, Minnie Youngbear; and an uncle, Timothy Youngbear.
Survivors include his parents, Inez Youngbear and Ernie Roberts Jr. both of Tama; his brothers, Allen (Bonita) Papakee, Jon (Sonja) Papakee, Ronnie Roberts, Shawn (Podowwa) Roberts, Ira (Lana) Roberts, James Roberts and Brenton Roberts all of Tama; his sisters, Regina Papakee, Suzy Papakee and Judy Roberts all of Tama and Brenda (Ron) Ackerman of Ames.