Roberta Ilene Middleton was born in Guthrie Center, Iowa on January 10, 1940, to Charles Alva and Edna Ritchie Palmer. She transitioned on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at her home in Shreveport, Louisiana surrounded by her family.
A memorial service with military and fraternal honors will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 9449 Ellerbe Road, Shreveport, Louisiana. There will be food and fellowship in the social hall directly following the service. Roberta’s interment will take place on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Cemetery, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport LA 71108.
Left to cherish her memory are Roberta’s three children Susan Yellott (John), Sandra Prymek (James), and Steven Middleton (Annita); her three grandchildren Lydia Gentry, Jacob Prymek, and Alexandra Prymek; great-granddaughter, Ivy Gentry; Roberta’s sister Ramona Kraft; niece Lamona Webb (Charles); nephew Lance Kraft (Susan); her dear aunt Dorothy Blanchard; Bayli Ritzert and her two children Ayden and Waylon Ritzert; as well as so many other special family, friends, and lodge members.
Roberta grew up on the farm and in the small town of Coon Rapids, Iowa surrounded by multitudes of cousins and her sister. She graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1958 and furthered her education, obtaining a professional license to do hair before deciding to join the military. In 1960-62 Roberta served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at the Pentagon working as a Machine Accountant. In September of 1962, Roberta married Bobby Jules Middleton who was also in the Navy. She held various office positions across the country as the growing family traveled with the military, mainly bookkeeping and banking and finally retired in 2003 after working at the Caddo Parish Health Unit.
Roberta was a third-generation member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. She was initiated into the Rebekahs in 1968 and was an active member until her death. Roberta served as President of the Rebekah Assembly of Louisiana in 2018-19. She joined the Odd Fellows in 2009 and was a Past Grand of her lodge. Roberta was also a member of Lowe-McFarlane American Legion Post 14 in Shreveport, Louisiana. She served as the first and only woman Commander in 1991-92 and as the District Commander in 1992-93.
Roberta enjoyed reading, crocheting, knitting, and playing board games, especially Yahtzee. Many Friday nights were spent playing and snacking and Roberta took great delight in winning. Mom is already greatly missed but we know that the pain she endured in her last months is over now and that she is at peace.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Queen Esther Rebekah Lodge #14, 3903 Meriwether Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71109.
John 15-7 “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
