Roberta Ingraham

Roberta was born at Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, California. She was the daughter of Jess and Shirley Cass. Roberta was raised in Sylmar, California. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Roberta's personality throughout her life.

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Roberta Ingraham. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Roberta was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Roberta was always enthusiastic about new adventures. She had a pleasant nature, Roberta was always tactful. One thing Roberta will certainly be remembered for is that, she was a night person who liked to stay up late and sleep in late when possible. As a young girl, Roberta had a number of interests and was an active child. In her spare time she liked to dance & collect rocks. Roberta's memorable achievements included modeling, dancing and singing.

For Roberta, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Roberta was also adept at details. Roberta was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from San Fernando High School in 1961. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite classes in high school were sewing and cooking. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Smith, her English teacher. She also loved modeling.

There was one thing that all of Roberta's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Roberta was such a popular person throughout her life. But Roberta was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Roberta was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Roberta was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Roberta was a person who quietly worked in the background. When Roberta made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, her best friend was Marilyn Van Patton. Later in life, she became best friends with Rich and Pat & Rick and Janis.

Roberta was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Roberta cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On July 21, 1972 Roberta married Hugh Ingraham at Silver Bell Wedding Chapel of Las Vegas, Nevada. Compassionate and devoted, Roberta worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Roberta and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Roberta was blessed with two children, one son, William and one daughter, Kimberly. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Michael, Wyatt, Erich, Summer and Britaney. Roberta was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was compassionate, reasonable and understanding. As a result, Roberta was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Roberta would listen before she would act, she cared for people, was compassionate and used the common sense God blessed her with.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Roberta, and she expected the same from those around her. Roberta was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Roberta was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Roberta handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” She worked for 5 years as a nursing assistant. Then, she worked for 15 years as a surgical secretary, and finally for 17 years as a medical clerk. She was employed for 37 years with the VA Hospital. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Roberta enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were gardening, traveling, arts & crsafts, playing any board game, rock collecting and off roading.

Roberta was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in life & games. Roberta was always enthusiastic, about social games and a great team player. Recreational sports included hiking, riding shotgun, 4wheeling in the Jeep.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Roberta to become actively involved in church ministry. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Roberta did her fair share of volunteer work. In high school, Roberta was a member of drama and the dance team. Throughout her later years, Roberta was an active member of the Canyon Climbers 4 Wheel Drive Club and Breakfast for Dinner Life Group & Sheriff Department Search & Rescue with CC4WD Club and many home ministry groups.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Roberta well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member Vineyard Church for 15 years and Sanctuary Church for 7 years. During that time, she was a hospitality ministry servant and was part of home groups, life groups, and the "Donut Ministry" at Vineyard. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

Not only did Roberta enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, the Caribbean Islands, Yellowstone, Shaver Lake and Rubicon off road trips, San Diego, Morro Bay, and an Alaskan cruise.

Roberta was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Schotzie, a miniature Lhasapoo dog, who was a best friend for 17 years. Her family was rounded out by her dog, Mitzie and Brandy.

Since it was easy for Roberta to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Roberta was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2005. Her new life involved residing in Canyon Country, California. In retirement, she found new pleasure in her church through home and life groups, off roading with Santa Clarita Trail Riders and RV camping. Even in retirement, Roberta stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was thankful for the free time that retirement afforded her to be involved in church and life activities.

Roberta passed away on July 3, 2012 at Kaiser Hospital in Panorama City, California. She battled polycystic kidney disease. She is survived by her husband, Hugh; her two children William and Kimberly; and her five grandchildren Michael, Wyatt, Erich, Summer, and Britaney. Services were held at Sanctuary Church in Canyon Country, California. Roberta was laid to rest in Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Newhall, California.

Roberta was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Roberta was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical, sensible, and adventuresome, but what friends and family will remember her for most is her smile and kind heart. She was so understanding, caring, kind and strong in her faith & spirit. She was a wonderful person. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Roberta Ingraham.