January 24, 1935 – January 2, 2026
Arlis Ann Roberts, a matriarch of one of Moab’s largest extended families, passed away peacefully at Canyonlands Care Center in Moab on January 2, 2026, at the age of 90. She was 22 days shy of 91.
Arlis was born at home in Moab on January 24, 1935, to Claude and Ima Irish. She attended Grand County Schools, where she participated in band as well as chorus. She often talked about participating in All-State Chorus, where she would travel to the Salt Lake Tabernacle to record songs, ride the bus home, and then listen to her songs the following morning on the radio.
At age 14, she worked at Moms Cafe, where she would wait tables and pump gas. After graduating in 1953, she became a switchboard operator for Midland Telephone Company during the height of the uranium boom in the 1950s.
Arlis married Harold Couch, and together they raised their children, Tamara and Ray, in Moab. When Ray was in second grade, Arlis went back to work at Gambles (The Friendly Store), where she became lifelong friends with Don and JoAnn Knowles. Later, she went to work for Utah Gas Service as the office manager and retired after 25 years of service.
After the passing of her husband Harold, she married Kenneth Roberts and gained two stepsons, Ken and Mark. Arlis and Kenneth enjoyed growing roses, grapes, gardens, and raising farm animals. They planted three acres of grapes and successfully produced Merlot and Chenin Blanc, which they sold to Castle Creek Winery.
Arlis loved to travel, dance, and sing. She loved singing for her community and was often told she had “perfect pitch.” She enjoyed taking car rides around town and entertaining friends and family in her home—you were not allowed to leave hungry!
Arlis is survived by her daughter Tamara (Keith) Larsen; stepson Ken (Blanca) Roberts; stepson Mark Roberts; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Arlis is preceded in death by her first husband Harold Couch; her son Ray Couch; her second husband Kenneth Roberts; her later sweetheart Bob Hawks; her parents Claude and Ima Irish; and her siblings Max, Dale, Eugene, Karen, and LaRae.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 8 at Spanish Valley Mortuary from 6 to 8 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at the Community Church of Moab on Friday, January 9 at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Grand Valley Cemetery. A light luncheon will follow the services. The family welcomes everyone to gather with us for food, stories, and memories in celebration of the beautiful long life of Arlis Ann.
Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at SpanishValleyMortuary.com or SVMC.us.
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