February 22, 1947 – November 9, 2025
Roberta Ann Rapanut, 78, of El Paso, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, surrounded by love. Born in Santa Barbara, California, on February 22, 1947, Roberta was the cherished daughter of Virginia and Bob Donnelly.
She grew up in the close-knit community of Carpinteria, California, where she graduated from Carpinteria High School. Roberta had a natural talent for numbers and organization — skills that shone through as she excelled in bookkeeping and proudly served as Senior Yearbook Editor.
On July 7, 1966, Roberta married the love of her life, Robert “Rap” Rapanut, beginning nearly four decades of marriage filled with laughter, adventure, and steadfast love. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in hard work and family.
Roberta’s career in banking began humbly as a teller in Eugene, Oregon, but through her determination, integrity, and kindness, she rose to become a Vice President responsible for the bank’s cash vault. Her colleagues admired her not only for her professionalism but for her genuine warmth and the calm, steady presence she brought to every day.
Outside of work, Roberta’s spirit came alive in the stands of football games. A devoted Oregon Ducks and UTEP Miners fan, she rarely missed a home game — cheering passionately, often with family by her side. But her greatest joy, by far, came from being “Grandma.” She adored her grandchildren — Ryan, Reanna, and Robert — and her great-nieces Annemarie Donnelly and Alyssa Broaddus. Fridays were their tradition, full of laughter, stories, and sweet treats from Dairy Queen. Those moments were her favorite, and she made sure each one felt special and loved.
Roberta is survived by her loving son Randy, daughter-in-law Lorraine, grandchildren Ryan, Reanna, and Robby, sister Pat Keiser, sister-in-law Tillie Donnelly, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who became like family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert, her parents Virginia and Bob Donnelly, and her brother Mike Donnelly.
Roberta will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and her ability to make everyone she met feel seen and cared for. She had a gift for turning ordinary days into cherished memories and leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her light will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Celebration of Life will be held at Martin Funeral Home West on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with Reading and Eulogies at 6:00 pm.
