Roberta Evans passed away in her home at 10:41 AM on Thursday, October 20, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Roberta Fay Thompson on March 10, 1932 to Arlene Fay (Morris) and Robert Bryce Thompson. Her father died at age 27 in 1936 leaving behind his wife and five children.
Roberta graduated from Rochester High School in 1950. Most of her life was spent living in Rochester, but she also resided in Lancaster CA during her husband’s Air Force enlistment, as well as homes in Peru and Plymouth IN and Muskegon Heights MI. She was employed by the B & B Store 1950-52, Farm Bureau Co-Op in 1953, Chester White Swine Record Association for eighteen years and retired from Edmonton Mfg. (Topps Safety Apparel) after 10 years of service. It was while she was employed at Farm Bureau Co-Op she met Gene Evans. He and a friend would pass by her office window to get her attention. She and Gene were married July 26, 1953 at First Baptist Church, Rochester by the Rev. Gordon Hyde. Gene unexpectedly passed away September 5, 1972.
Gene and Roberta are the parents of Karen Gene Tislow and James Lee Evans both of Rochester and David Patrick (Susie) Evans of Newburgh IN. Surviving are grandchildren Sarah Gene (Aaron) Gustin and Jeff (Ashlie) Tislow of Lafayette. Heather (Mark) Furrer, Brookston, Chris (Crystal) Evans of Akron and Katie (Brandon) Overmyer, Rochester and James Robert Evans of Evansville. Great grandchildren are Halle and Taylor Tislow, Bailey, Mason, Levi and Lincoln Furrer, Aeronna Lewis, Parker and Rebecca Evans and Hunter and Ryker Gene Overmyer.
Also surviving is sister Mary Jo Goss of Columbia City and brother Robert Bryce (Janice) Thompson of Osceola. Surviving in laws are Larry Evans and Mick (Judy) Evans of Rochester, Gerald Evans and David Evans.
Preceding her in death were her husband Gene and her parents, sisters Juanita King and Carlene Snipes, nieces Jo Ellen (King) Thompson, Sherry (Evans) Garvison and Chris (Evans) Swango. In-laws Wilby and Rethal Evans, Robert and Norma Evans, Joan Evans, Juanita Evans, Joanie Evans, Larry Goss and Ed King.
Roberta was a skilled seamstress and spent many Saturday afternoons sitting at her sewing machine while listening to LP records playing on the stereo. Karen, Pat and Jim grew up listening to their mom’s favorite musicians, Engelbert Humperdinck, Jerry Vale, Richard Chamberlain (aka Dr. Kildare of ‘60’s TV), The Lettermen, Robert Goulet and Andy Williams. Her sewing projects included Barbie doll clothes, two wedding gowns, a winter coat, a dance formal and Halloween costumes. Grandchildren had fun dressed as Davy Crockett, a fifties teenager in a pink poodle skirt, a pumpkin, and in a head to toe zebra costume. Beginning in 1980 with the arrival of her first grandchild Sarah, she handcrafted a Christmas ornament for each grandchild, this tradition continued for 36 years and expanded to include great grandchildren Bailey and Mason. Crocheting was a favorite activity making mostly afghans including a white afghan featuring a black and white zebra for Heather. Roberta enjoyed floss embroidery and stitched embroidered baby quilts for grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed tending to her flower gardens and reading and was a frequent patron at the Fulton County Public Library.
Roberta was a fourteen year volunteer at the Woodlawn Hospital Gift Shop, sang with the Fulton County Choral Club for 18 years and the First Baptist Church choir for 38 years. She has been a member of First Baptist Church since 1946.
A celebration of the life of Roberta Evans will be at 12 Noon on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 in the First Baptist Church, 1000 Main St., Rochester. Friends may visit with the family from 10- 12 on Tuesday in the church.
Interment to follow in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
Roberta requested monetary memorials be made to First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, 1000 Main St., Rochester, IN 46975.
Good Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com
