Roberta Louise Patterson

She was born December 17,1943 in Brownfield, Texas in the midst of World War II to Jesse Hugh Snodgrass and Rita Mae Cheek Snodgrass. Her uncle and namesake, Robert Cheek, received her birth announcement while stationed in England before the Normandy invasion. Roberta was raised on a farm in Tokio, TX with her 3 siblings and attended Plains Schools where she was an excellent student. She excelled in many subjects, but math was what she especially loved. She played on the state championship volleyball team and participated in many activities while in school. She graduated as salutatorian of the class of 1963. She then attended college at Texas Tech and graduated with a double major in math and English. Following graduation, she taught in Midland, Texas. While in Midland, she met the love of her life, Bob Patterson. Following their marriage on November 23, 1967, the couple moved to Bob’s hometown of Grants Pass, Oregon, before later settling on a ranch near Cove, Oregon. Bob and Roberta welcomed their beloved son, Brian, on October 5, 1970. Roberta looked back on her years in Oregon as deeply happy and always carried Oregon in her heart throughout her life. Sadly,Bob tragically lost his life in an accident on the ranch on December 26,1973. Losing Bob marked a turning point in her life, deepening her faith and personal relationship with the Lord, which sustained her through life’s challenges.

Turning heartbreak into resolve and anchored in a strong faith, Roberta relocated to Lubbock to pursue her master’s degree at Texas Tech and raise Brian close to family. She taught in Lubbock Public Schools for many years where she was an outstanding and tough Algebra teacher. She even tutored nieces and nephews over the phone on many occasions. She was an active member of Aldersgate Church for over 30 years, where she taught Sunday school and served various leadership roles, with the most important being leadership of the prayer ministry. She was a dedicated board member and supporter of The Wesley Foundation. She also cherished her involvement in the Llano Estacado Emmaus community since its inception. Over the years, she hosted many college students and countless bible studies in her home.

Most importantly, Roberta was a devoted prayer warrior. If you were on her refrigerator or on one of her many lists, she was praying for you! She sincerely wanted everyone to know and love the Lord as she did. She always wanted to give more than she had to the people and causes she loved, and those people and causes were many. She supported Aldersgate Church, the Wesley Foundation and many pastors and missionaries with small donations and endless prayers. “Aunt Berta” made a point to send thoughtful cards plus a little money to her nieces and nephews for every birthday. She lovingly cared for her parents in their final years. She loved all of Brian’s dogs, especially “Buddy” as well as his cat, “Sam”. Over the last several years, Roberta lovingly cared for her son, Brian, as he recovered from a stroke. Until the end of her life, Brian’s care, recovery and well being were her top priority. Remarkably, she did all of these things while also navigating the complexities of a chronic health condition and being a single parent.

Roberta felt truly treasured, surrounded by an outpouring of love from a devoted church family and circle of friends. The kindness shown was immense, and her family is eternally grateful. In particular, heartfelt thanks to Pastor Ryan Smallwood and all the “Aldersgate Angels”, both known and unknown, who have generously supported Roberta and Brian over the years. These Aldersgate Angels and many other friends have played a key role in Brian’s recovery and provided unwavering love, compassion and support of all kinds during Roberta’s declining health. We are also thankful for Dr. Brad Snodgrass who compassionately supported Roberta in her final months. And we extend a special thanks to Roberta’s cherished friend, Char Rantz, who loved her unconditionally and continues to go above and beyond every day. Her cousins, Zada Cave and WB Snodgrass also provided immeasurable support. So many others, too numerous to mention, were her hands and feet and are listed in her notes in numerous places! Roberta had a heart of gold and her friends do, too. She will be greatly missed. Please honor her life every day and PRAY LIKE ROBERTA.

Roberta was preceded in death by her husband Bob Patterson, and her parents, Jesse Snodgrass and Rita Mae Snodgrass. She is survived by her son Brian Patterson, her brother Carter Snodgrass, sister Della Saich, sister Rita Goodsell and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please support the “Brian’s Buddies” fund at Aldersgate Church. This fund has been established to support the future care, living and medical expenses of her beloved son, Brian. Donations may be made directly to Aldersgate Church located at 10306 Indiana Avenue, Lubbock, Texas, 79423.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, May 1st, at 11 am, at Aldersgate Church located at 10306 Indiana Avenue in Lubbock, Texas. There will be a luncheon following the service.