Roberta Catherine Lambert

Roberta was born on October 4, 1954, in Portland, Oregon to John and Catherine Simon. She was the youngest of three brothers and became a big sister at 13. She was lovingly called Bobby Cay by her parents, brothers, and childhood friends.

After graduating from Modesto High School in December 1971, she attended college in Long Beach, California, graduating as an Orthopedic Physician’s Assistant. Roberta worked at Long Beach County Hospital for 10 years following her graduation. After her time there, she moved to Chico, California to be closer to her mother and brothers. While living in Chico, Roberta worked at an orthopedic clinic.

In February 1990, Roberta was set up on a blind date with James (Jim) Lambert. After a successful few dates, Jim and Roberta became exclusive; on Mother’s Day 1990, Jim asked her to be his wife. After six months of engagement, Jim and Roberta were married on October 27, 1990. Ten months later, their first child, Angelica, was born; the following year, their second child, Matthew, was born.

Roberta and her family moved to Colby, Kansas in 1996. There, Roberta raised her children, homeschooling them until they started public high school. They lived in Colby for 17 years. In 2012, Roberta moved with Jim to Abilene, Texas. Here, they joined Holy Family Catholic Church. Roberta also joined The Red Hats organization and The Lady’s Share group at her church. She participated in both groups for a few years. One of Roberta’s favorite activities was riding her Vespa. She used it as her main mode of transportation for many years. Riding her Vespa, which she always called her motorcycle, brought her great joy.

Roberta was very devout in her Catholic faith. She took pride in sharing her faith with anyone who would listen. Spreading love and joy was also very important to Roberta. Over the last two years of her life, she shared what she called her “smile ministry.” She took great pride in sitting at the grocery store, United, smiling at everyone who passed by. Roberta loved talking with those who stopped by to talk. Talking with people and staff was something that Roberta loved doing; it brought her and others immense joy. She made many friends throughout her time doing this ministry; some came to the store just to see her.

Roberta is survived by her husband of 33 years, James Lambert of Abilene, Texas; her children and their spouses, Angelica & Tyler Stieben of Colby, Kansas and Matthew & Mandy Lambert of Frederick, Maryland; and her five grandchildren Dallis, Tucker, Porter & Brooke Stieben, and Bridget Lambert. She is also survived by her brothers and their spouses, Micheal & Kellene, John J. & Lori, Christian & Angie, and Martin Simon, as well as multiple nieces & nephews.

A vigil service and rosary will be held at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home 5701 US Highway 277 S. in Abilene on September 19, 2024, at 7:00 PM, the family will receive guests for visitation following vigil. Funeral mass will be held on September 20, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church at noon. Interment will follow in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. The family encourages all attendees to wear bright colors in honor of Roberta.