WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Roberta Jean Marbaugh, 62, of Sturgis, passed away early Friday morning, June 10, 2011, at her home, following a 2 1/2 year hard-fought battle with brain cancer.
She was born Jan. 16, 1949, in Sturgis, a daughter of Bobbie G. and Irma J. (Fetch) Marbaugh.
Roberta had been a Sturgis resident since 1982. Her early life was spent in White Pigeon, where she graduated from White Pigeon High School with the class of 1967.
She had been employed by Greenfield Research in Howe, Ind., for several years until the company closed. She also had worked as a secretary for Sturgis Public Schools at Park Elementary School.
Roberta enjoyed collecting penguins and crocheted many baby blankets for the Welcome Baby Program. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by a daughter, Jodi (Hugo Fernandez) Valdez of Sturgis; a son, Shawn (Stephanie) Marbaugh of Sturgis; six grandchildren, Michelle Ladd, Nickole (Charles) Graff, Shawn Marbaugh Jr., Ariana Valdez, Stephan Valdez and Nickolas Valdez; two great-grandchildren, Dean Ladd and Elijah Graff; her mother, Irma J. Hard of Las Vegas; two brothers, Fred Marbaugh and Lee Marbaugh, both of Las Vegas; an uncle, Jerry (Roselyn) Marbaugh of Sturgis; an aunt, Mary Lou (Bob) Kime of Howe, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father; her stepfather, Ronald Hard; her stepmother, Marion Marbaugh; and a brother, Jay Marbaugh.
Cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Christian Fellowship Church, 201 North Street in Sturgis, where a memorial service celebrating the life of Roberta Jean Marbaugh will be held at noon Wednesday.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, is entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial donations to the family would be appreciated, c/o: Jodi Valdez, 403 N. Clay St., Sturgis, MI 49091 to help with expenses.
