Roberta Louise (Middleton) Smith, 91, died on Oct. 6, 2024, at Azria Health Rose Vista Home in Woodbine. She was born July 19, 1933, to Harold and Myrtle (Moore) Middleton in rural Guthrie County. Roberta went to rural school and graduated from Yale High School in May of 1950. She then attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls for two years and started her teaching career in Guthrie Center at the age of 19. Roberta later attended Dana College in Blair, Neb., graduating in 1966, with her bachelor’s degree.
On June 20, 1954, Roberta was united in marriage to Vernon Smith. To the union three children were born: Robert Vernon, Rodney Ray and Jennifer Jean. The couple initially lived on a farm near Panora for two years. In March of 1957, they purchased land in Harrison County north of Woodbine and made the move to their farm in the hill country where they lived for nearly 42 years. They retired to town in February of 1999. Roberta taught school for 40 years with 35 of them being in the Woodbine school system and substituted for several years after retiring. She also taught in the towns of Yale and Dunlap early in her teaching career.
Roberta was an active member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Woodbine. She volunteered countless hours to her church, school and community along with helping on the farm and raising her family. She loved cheering on her grandchildren in all their many activities. Most of all, Roberta treasured the time spent with family and friends and caring for those in need of a helping hand including neighbors, friends and family.
Roberta was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon; grandson, Joe Smith; brother, Derald Middleton; and three sisters, Helen Harris, Eva Smith and Neva Mleynek. She is survived by her three children, Robert Smith and his wife Cheryl, Rodney Smith and his wife Teresa and Jennifer and her husband Gary Hall all of Woodbine; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many other wonderful relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, at First Christian Church in Woodbine. Pastor Chuck Snow and James Smith presided over the service. The musicians were Bob Smith, Jolie Smith and Karen Ryerson. The musical selections were “Jesus Loves Me” and “Because He Lives”. The congregational hymn was “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”. The honorary pallbearers were Sadie Smith, Jolie Smith, Hoyt Smith, Kane Smith, Charlotte Smith, Holden Fly, Joseph Smith and Hollyn Foly. The pallbearers were Mary Smith, James Smith, Clinton Smith, Dillon Smith, Shelby Fly and Cody Smith.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
