Beth R. (Roberts) Skillern

Beth Skillern died peacefully on March 15, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Her daughters, Sarah and Molly, were at her side.

Born in August 1944 in Pasadena, California, Beth was the eldest child of Stanley and Adeline Roberts. She spent most of her childhood in Eugene, Oregon and graduated from Southern Oregon University in 1966.  She taught school in Grants Pass, Oregon and Metairie, Louisiana, before settling in NE Portland where she lived for over 50 years.

Launching a second career, Beth attended Lewis and Clark Law School, graduating in 1986.  She practiced law for 28 years at Bullivant Houser Bailey law firm, where she served as managing partner and president before retiring in 2014.  Admired for her talent as an attorney, her work ethic and mentorship, Beth’s love of the law and compassion contributed to her success.

In addition to her lengthy career as an attorney, Beth was passionate about reading and relished the company of her book group for over 25 years.  She volunteered with the SMART program and always kept abreast of what her daughters were reading. An avid gardener, Beth also enjoyed watercolor painting with a group of dear friends.  Beth had many adventures with her longtime companion, William Dickas, including journeys to Greece and Austria and day trips to the Oregon coast.  She appreciated the simple pleasures of life from blueberry picking with her grandchildren to visiting gardens with her sister.

Beth was a loyal friend to many and started most days at 5:30 AM by walking a few miles with close friends.  She had a talent of making small things look beautiful and saw the good in all.  Beth quietly gave her time and love to her community by volunteering regularly at the Oregon Foodbank and supporting her neighborhood church, Fremont United Methodist.

Preceded in death by her parents, her brother Gene L. Roberts, and her longtime companion William Dickas, Beth is survived by her daughters Sarah Sievert (Brad) of Lake Oswego, OR, Molly Reed (Marc) of San Diego, CA, her grandchildren Hannah and Matthew Sievert, sisters Carolyn Hamm (Andrew), and Cheryl Roberts, nieces and nephews, Margaret and William Hamm, Jennifer Akers, Jacob Roberts and Crystal Sanchez.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the Oregon Food Bank and the SMART program.  A memorial service is planned for April 8, 2023, 11:00 AM at the Fremont United Methodist Church, Portland Oregon.

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