Roberta Dee Sebastian

Bert was born in Richmond, Indiana on September 22, 1936 to her parents, Stanley and Tresa (Royer) Miller. She grew up on her family’s farm in Eldorado, Ohio where she and her eight siblings helped with the farm chores and enjoyed the camaraderie of a close-knit community. She often spoke of helping prepare large meals each Sunday after church, when the family welcomed friends for food and fellowship. After high school, Bert attended Miami Valley Nursing School and became a registered nurse. She later, while working, completed the credits needed to earn her Bachelors of Science degree through the University of St. Francis.

In 1979, Bert married her loving husband, Doug Sebastian, and they combined their five children into one family. Over the years, they saw their family grow and were blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Their home in Vero Beach, Florida was the heart of the family. They hosted holiday dinners, birthday celebrations, graduation parties, and everything in between.

One particular favorite family memory is Grandma and Grandpa’s Summer Camp. For many years, Bert and Doug welcomed all their grandchildren to stay with them for several weeks during the summer. This treasured event included trips to the beach, swimming in the pool, performing skits (written and directed by the older grandchildren), diving competitions, and eating lots of chocolate chip pancakes. Most importantly, it allowed all the cousins to get to know each other and create lasting memories.

In addition to caring for her family, Bert dedicated her life to caring for those in need through a nursing career spanning over 40 years. In her spare time, she was active in the Garden Club of Indian River County, participated in various quilting groups, was an avid and accomplished seamstress, and was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Vero Beach. Bert further demonstrated her quilting skills by creating a unique quilt for each of her grandchildren as a high school graduation gift.

From patients to family to friends, Bert took care of everyone. She was the person to call when you needed help, but also the person you wanted to be with when you needed a laugh. Despite the challenges and losses she experienced in life, Bert lived each day with joy – a quality those lucky enough to know her will never forget. Even during her last days, she continued to enjoy music, laughed often, and especially lit up at the sound of Doug’s voice.

Bert is survived by her husband, Doug; her children, Beth (Steve), Bill (Kimberly), Cindy (Dave), Bill (Janet) and Laurie (Jason); her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister, Judy; her former husband, Kent; and dearly loved neighbors and friends.

Her funeral service will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Vero Beach on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer and Parkinson Association of Indian River County (https://alzpark.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.aycock-hillcrest.com for the Sebastian family.