Roberta P Roden

Roberta Phyllis (Larson) Roden, 97, of Lansing, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026. She was born on December 4, 1928, in Webberville, Michigan, to Fred and Margaret (Dietz) Larson. Roberta lived a life marked by love, kindness, and generosity to the people and places she held dear.

Roberta was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Jack W. Roden; her parents, Fred and Margaret (Dietz) Larson; and her sister, Marian Sorrell.

She is survived by her five children: William Roden of Antelope, Montana; Nanci Mooney, wife of the late Dennis Mooney, of East Lansing, Michigan; Mary Hamilton, wife of the late Michael Hamilton, of Hillman, Michigan; Barbara Rae Roden of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; and Patricia (Roger) Nownes of Amherst, New Hampshire.

Roberta also leaves behind five grandchildren—Allison (Robby) Mayer, J.R. (Kait) Mooney, Natalie Mooney, J.J. Grogis, and Bobby Grogis—and five great-grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews, who will cherish the many happy memories they shared with her. Roberta’s legacy of love, devotion, and caring for her children and grandchildren will never be forgotten.

Roberta grew up in Williamston and spent many hours on the family farm on Dietz Road. She graduated from Williamston High School in 1946 and attended Michigan State University. While in college, she worked at Sears Roebuck where she met Jack, who would become her husband. Before their marriage, she worked as an airline stewardess for Capital Airlines, a role that reflected her sense of adventure and style. Roberta and Jack were married on May 17, 1952, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, where she remained a faithful member until her death.

Over the years, Roberta called Williamston, Eaton Rapids, and Lansing home. She and Jack also lived in San Angelo, TX, Coloma, MI, and Marquette, MI.

In addition to being a homemaker, she worked in real estate with Century 21 and as a sales representative for Johnson & Johnson. Roberta also was a Master Gardener with the Michigan State Garden Club and a member of the Lansing Town Hall for over 50 years, a nonprofit for the Lansing Symphony.

Roberta found joy in life’s simple pleasures such as tending to her garden, sewing, taking daily walks, getting lost in a good book, and spending time with those she loved. She was an excellent cook and a lifelong lover of good food, desserts, and a glass of Basil Hayden (on the rocks, please.). A devoted Michigan State University fan, she enjoyed attending Spartan hockey and football games. She also hosted some of the most renowned parties whether it was a pregame party, a spirited tailgate, a pool party, or a cat funeral. She traveled throughout the United States and around the world, and wherever her children lived, she made a point of visiting them.

Roberta was a snappy dresser with impeccable manners and a wonderful sense of style. Reserved by nature, yet great fun to be around, she combined quiet elegance and grace with a lively spirit and an enduring curiosity about the world. She never stopped learning, took a keen interest in current events, and always seemed ready to embrace something new and exciting.

Roberta will be remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her kind and gentle nature, infectious laughter, and smiling face will be deeply missed by all who knew her. The memories she created and the love she shared will remain a lasting part of the lives she touched.

Memorial Services:

Visitation will be held Monday, October 26, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in East Lansing, Michigan.

A memorial Mass celebrating Roberta’s life will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in East Lansing, with family receiving visitors beginning at 10 a.m. The Mass will be livestreamed at www.youtube.com/c/outreachmass A graveside service will follow Mass at Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Roberta’s memory may be made to the Veteran of Foreign Wars National Home, 3573 S Waverly Rd, Eaton Rapids, Michigan 48827.

To share memories, please visit www.greastlansing.com.