Obituary of Roberta Gaylene Richards

Roberta (Bobbi-Gay) Richards, age 81, of Cranbrook, British Columbia, passed away on January 18, 2024, at the Cranbrook Regional Hospital, after losing her battle with cancer which quickly spread throughout her body after being diagnosed in September of 2023.

Roberta was born March 6, 1942, to Robert and Edith Taylor in the small mountain city of Cranbrook, B.C.. Her favourite childhood memories were the summers she travelled with her father; adventures that took her from Nakusp to the prairies of Saskatchewan by rail when her father worked as a CP Rail Conductor.

Roberta graduated from Mount Baker High School in 1959 and quickly married the love of her life, Lorne A. Richards in the summer of 1960. Roberta and her devoted husband Lorne spent 63 wonderful years together.

In 1973, Roberta became a member of the Eastern Star where she helped raise money for cancer. She had the honour of being the Worthy Matron several times throughout her years of service where she organized the meetings. Roberta loved listening to music and was a big fan of Elvis Presley. She always enjoyed camping with her family and friends and dominating family horseshoe tournaments. She was an avid swimmer and an incredible bowler who won many championships. She even learned to bowl left-handed when she started struggling with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Anyone who knew Roberta knew she was a beautiful, intelligent, independent, and incredibly strong-willed woman, and she continued to be one right up to the end. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends who will forever love and admire her.

She is survived by her husband Lorne; her daughter Christy (husband Ron); her son Brent (wife Jackie); her four grandchildren Brandon (wife Allanah), Bryna (husband Brian), Kyle (wife Michelle), and Casey (fiancé Remi); her two great-grandchildren Harvey and Quinn; her brother Don (wife Marcy); her sister Sheila; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by her father and mother; her sister Marlene and brother-in-law Billie Wasiliew; and other brother-in-law Ed Peszat.

There will be a small Celebration Of Life after a graveside service this summer of 2024 (date, time, and location still to be determined). In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Cancer and/or Arthritis Society.