Reba Lee Roberts

Reba Lee Roberts, age 90, passed away peacefully at her home on June 2, 2023, surrounded by her family in rural Valeda, Kansas. Reba was born to Forest Eugene and Arvilla Ellen (Richardson) Martin on November 14, 1932, south of Edna just across the Oklahoma line.  She attended Edna schools where she completed her education at the Edna High School.

One evening while attending the Free Picture Show in Valeda, a handsome young man by the name of Robert “Bob” Roberts caught Reba’s eye.  After he introduced himself, he proceeded to ask her out on a date, that led to a courtship and then marriage.  Bob and Reba were married on September 5, 1954. It was a scorching hot summer day; the temperature was 115 degrees in the shade on the north side of the Edna United Methodist Church. (Air conditioning wasn’t even an option and not even a water cooler was in the church). The weather added to the memorable occasion for sure, but she and Bob cherished that day more than the weather and have celebrated 68 years together.  The couple made their home in rural Valeda raising their three children, Robin, Rita, and Rhonda. In 1955 Reba and Bob moved to the land where they resided until their passings.  In 1965 together they built their home and many, many memories were created. 

Reba was a true country girl who loved being outside and had an immense love for her family. She was diligent in caring for them, always putting their needs first. In addition to raising her children, taking them to their many activities, attending sporting events, and sewing clothes for them, she would work outside on the farm as well. Reba would plant a large garden every year and canned the bountiful harvests of the fruits of her labor to feed her family. Any given day, Reba could be found fixing or building fence, repairing the kitchen sink, or helping deliver a baby calf. She wasn't afraid to take on any task and often completed maintenance repairs before Bob had a chance.

Reba enjoyed teaching Sunday school and Vacation Bible School at Valeda First United Methodist Church where she and Bob had worshipped for 68 years. In her younger years, Reba enjoyed hosting family gatherings where she would prepare delicious meals with fresh-grown vegetables and beef that was raised by Reba and Bob. Her kindness extended beyond her own family, as she loved children deeply.

Reba’s beloved husband Bob who preceded her in death will be waiting for her in heaven, along with daughter Rita Buetow, great-granddaughter Mia Cole and daughter-in-law Norma Roberts, parents Forest Eugene Martin and Arvilla Ellen (Richardson) Martin, siblings Cecil Martin, Alene Walraven and Charlene Stair.

Reba is survived by her son Robin Roberts; daughter Rhonda; son-in-law Alan Cole; grandchildren Whitney Cole, Kari Buetow, Kristen Carzoli, Kelsey Opat and Darcy Dixon; seven great-grandchildren; sister Juanita Manley and brother-in-law Jim; brother-in-law Joe Roberts and sister-in-law Pat Layton along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Reba was known to all as a kind and loving person dedicated to her family and friends. She treasured each relationship. Reba always kept busy, but her greatest accomplishment was raising her children and seeing her grandchildren, being actively involved in all their lives, especially attending their sporting events. Reba was also an exceptional cook, famous for making delicious food from scratch. She was also a supreme pie maker.

The family will receive friends on June 5, 2023, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel at 2405 Woodland Avenue in Coffeyville, Kansas. The Funeral Service will be held at 11am at Valeda United Methodist Church at 200 Howard St. on June 6, 2023, where she faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher and an active member of the congregation for many years. The family request that memorial contributions be made payable to: Valeda United Methodist Church and may be left in care of the chapel.   To leave an online condolence, share a memory or view live streaming of the funeral service under her obituary page visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

Reba’s love of God and dedication to her family and friends touched many lives throughout the years, making her an inspiration to all who knew her. Her legacy will live on through them as they carry on the lessons she taught them, love deeply, work hard, enjoy good food, laugh often with family and friends, take care of each other fiercely and ultimately never give up hope even in the toughest times.