Roberta Anne Forbes

Roberta Anne Forbes, September 16, 1951 – February 2, 2012: Gone from our lives, but not our hearts! Roberta passed away February 2, 2012 at the age of 60. Born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, she surpassed many predictions from doctors for her life span. Roberta was an avid advocate for the disabled. While living in Houston, she worked for the Houston Center for Independent Living, as well as Easter Seals. She was invited to the White House for the five year celebration of the passing of the American’s with Disabilities Act. (ADA) After moving to Grand Junction, Roberta became a board member at the Center for Independence and enjoyed serving time there. Roberta had many caregivers in her lifetime, but none served her better, or loved her more, than those she had here in Grand Junction. She in turn loved them all for the care they provided to her. A special thank you to all of the neighbors who painted her house and the local American Rose Society, for which she was a member, for pruning her rose bushes on an annual basis, and to all of the friends that have helped Roberta throughout her life-she had many. Roberta inspired all she came in touch with through her wise advice, and her kind, giving, loving spirit. As one cousin said recently, Roberta was one of God’s most cheerful, brave and loving warriors. Roberta was preceded in death by her father, John Robert Forbes “Bobby”, and her mother, Grace Delores Kinzbach Forbes “Teddy”. Roberta grew up in Corpus Christi and San Antonio (Churchill HS), TX and had a Masters Degree in Social Work, from the University of Houston. She is survived by her sisters, Linda Forbes Felder (Larry) and Betty Kay Forbes Paradissis; one aunt; ten cousins; two nieces; two nephews; two great nephews, and by her dear friend of many years, Margaret Ellrick.

A memorial service in celebration of Roberta’s life is planned to take place at Sunset Funeral Chapel on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 2:00PM. Inurnment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.