Roberta Lou Van Nuis

June 21, 1949 – September 15, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of our beloved “Berta”. Roberta was born in San Diego, California, on June 21, 1949, to Richard and Pauline Van Nuis. She possessed an unlimited reserve of can-do attitude and love for all who came to know and love her. Roberta Van Nuis was a beloved and loving daughter, sister, aunt, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, friend and coworker.

Roberta was an exceptional friend and employee, at her workplace for the Creekside Early Learning Center in the Alpine Union School District. She was incredibly loved throughout the school, by her Child Nutrition Services and ESS families, and especially by the children at Creekside who had the privilege of greeting and absorbing all the love and caring from Berta each day.

Roberta always had a smile on her face. She brought kindness, warmth, and positivity wherever she went and had a way of making the people around her feel welcomed and cared for. She was hardworking, dependable, and deeply dedicated to her work. She took great pride in what she did and often shared with others how much she loved her job and being part of AUSD.

But what stood out most was how genuinely she cared about the students and the people she worked alongside. Roberta held a very special place at Creekside, and her love for the children was evident in the care she gave them each day. She helped brighten their days in ways both big and small, simply by being who she was.

Her kindness, dedication, incredible work ethic, and beautiful spirit touched so many lives throughout her life. Her most proud accomplishment was her son, Joe. She was enormously proud of his long successful career serving the community in law enforcement. She also had so much pride and love for her daughter-in-law, Carrie. Her grandson, Wyatt, however, was the joy of her life. Since his birth 22 years ago, she continuously and selflessly gave every ounce of her being to his happiness and was most joyful when she was in his presence. Her family was her everything and they were always enveloped in her love, support and pride.

She is survived by her sister Regina Lauridsen and her two brothers Randy and Rory Van Nuis. Her older brother, Rick Van Nuis, preceded her in death. She is also survived by her son, Joseph Cargel, daughter-in-law, Carrie Cargel and grandson, Wyatt Cargel.

Grief is like a stone in your pocket. Over time, it feels lighter. Not because it became lighter, but because the person carrying it gradually becomes stronger…Roberta was deeply loved, and she will be forever remembered and missed by all of us who knew and loved her.

If you would like show your support, please make a make a donation of school age arts and crafts supplies to the Alpine Union School District – Creekside Early Learning Center Extended Student Services (ESS) Program in honor of Berta.