Roberta I. Allen, 87, of Hutchinson, passed into her eternal life on January 3, 2023, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born March 12, 1935, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Robert and Thelma (Gardner) Halfast.
Roberta graduated from Chase High School, KS, and attended Adela Hale Business School in Hutchinson, KS. On May 28, 1954, Roberta married Edward “Mike” Allen in Chase and eventually settled in Hutchinson with their three children, Kathy, Bob, and Mike. They shared over 52 years of love, life, marriage, and family before his passing on February 15, 2007. Roberta carried on as the matriarch of their wonderful family as it expanded with more grandchildren and great-grandchildren with whom she could continue giving of her big heart. Having always loved watching and actively supporting her kids in their activities, she would go on to be the consummate cheerleader for her grandchildren. She often traveled to see them play wherever that may have taken her.
Roberta’s kindness and generosity throughout her life made many feel as though they were a part of her extended family. Whether in her work, church, or neighborhood, she was always helping people unconditionally and selflessly. This brought her great joy. Roberta worked as an administrative assistant at Woodwork Manufacturing and Architectural Millwork Inc. for several decades. She was also involved with the Business and Professional Women’s Club where she held several officers’ positions. Roberta was a passionate and competitive bridge player. She played regularly at the Delos V Smith Senior Center and Hutchinson Art Center. Roberta was equally right brained as she was left. Her creative side revealed itself in her beautiful handmade quilts and gorgeous paintings given to family and friends. Roberta was an active member of the American Legion Lysle Rishel Post 68 Auxiliary and supported the post with many hours of service over the years.
There is little room to articulate a life so fully lived as was Roberta’s. She will be dearly remembered and celebrated by all who were blessed to share any part of her journey.
Roberta is survived by: daughter, Kathy (Steve) Colley, Hutchinson; sons, Bob (Nancy) Allen, Granville, OH; and Mike (Jennifer) Allen, Kansas City; grandchildren, Brian (Sarah) Gisick, Brandon (Pinkk) Allen, Brenton (Samantha) Allen, Rachael (Broc) Cramer, Nick Allen (Aurora Westphal), Brent (Kandee) Colley; great grandchildren, McKenzie Colley, Reid Gisick, and Adelaine Allen.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; granddaughter, Stefanie Gisick; and brother, Tom Halfast.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 13, 2023, at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, Hutchinson, with Pastor Craig Waetke officiating. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, January 8 through Thursday, January 12 at Elliott Mortuary. Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 12, at Elliott Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to: American Legion Lysle Rishel Post 68, Hutchinson and Delos V Smith Senior Center, Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.