Commissioner Susan Roberts Honored at Wallowa County Special Session
By Tracy Christopher on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
ENTERPRISE- A small crowd filled the Thornton Conference Room at Wallowa County Courthouse Monday afternoon as commissioners, staff, friends, family, and community members gathered in a special session to honor the life and legacy of longtime Wallowa County Commissioner Susan Roberts, who passed away on July 30.
The session opened with a solemn agenda amendment—before any county business, the Commissioners announced their intention to first pay tribute to Roberts, a towering figure in local and regional government known for her unwavering commitment to Wallowa County, her bold leadership style, and her deep care for people and place.
The afternoon began with a flag salute, a moment of silence, and a heartfelt prayer. It was also noted that this would be the final time the courtroom’s current flags would be used—they will now be preserved and used in Roberts’ upcoming memorial service and subsequently retired.
In a moving prayer, Commissioner Lisa Collier, thanked God for Roberts’ life and service, acknowledging the impact she had on every person in the room, every department in the courthouse, and even every “blade of grass” on county grounds.
What followed was a powerful, candid, and often humorous time of sharing. Colleagues and loved ones told stories of Susan’s fierce advocacy, no-nonsense style, unmatched work ethic, and surprisingly sentimental side.
Her brother, Everett Roberts, shared plans for a memorial bench to be installed on the West Lawn of the courthouse. The bench is currently being engraved and will be dedicated in a public ceremony in late August or early September.
State Senator Todd Nash presented Senate Concurrent Resolution 33—passed by the Oregon Legislature—as a formal recognition of Roberts’ contributions to the state. He, too, shared stories of Susan’s firebrand leadership. “She was a huge fireball,” he said, recalling a moment in a federal meeting where she bluntly declared, “We don’t give a flying [expletive] about your fish,”—a moment that underscored her passionate defense of rural communities, grazing rights, and natural resource use.
Other stories highlighted her dedication to mentoring new commissioners, her fondness for her courthouse rose bushes, and even her failed attempt at swearing less, commemorated with a humorous “days without incident” board.
“She was a workaholic,” Commissioner Hillock said. “She didn’t pass on a lot of her duties, so now we’re all trying to figure things out. But no one cared more about this place.”
Senator Todd Nash recalled her emotional response to visiting places from her childhood, like the Minam and Camp Smith. He went on to say, “Most elected officials care about the next vote. Susan didn’t. She did what was right, period.”
Former colleagues from across the region joined online, sharing their own memories, including trips to Washington, D.C., and passionate policy disagreements that ended with mutual respect. “She was the matriarch of county commissioners in Eastern Oregon,” said Commissioner Paul Anderes.
Perhaps most poignantly, several speakers referenced how Roberts remained steadfast in her duties until the end. “We talked many times about her resigning,” Commissioner Lisa Collier said, “but she didn’t. She died a commissioner. I’m pretty okay with that. In fact, I love it!”
Commissioner Collier announced that Roberts’ memorial service will take place at 5 p.m. on Friday, August 22, at the Enterprise Elks Lodge. Details will be posted on the county website.
