Kathy Roberts, age 69 of Nemaha, IA, passed away on April 21, 2019, at her home in Nemaha. Kathy Jo Smith was born on June 18, 1949, to parents Gerald and Celesta (Whitmore) Smith in Sioux City, IA.
Kathy grew up in Nemaha and was a member of the United Methodist Church where she was baptized and confirmed. She attended school in the Crestland School District. Kathy graduated with the Crestland High School Class of 1967. After graduating, she attended Iowa State University where she graduated with her Bachelors Degree in Education. Kathy taught English, Drivers Education and was also a Speech and Cheer Coach.
On June 12, 1987, Kathy married Tom Roberts in Bryson City, NC. Together they raised three daughters: Tawnya, Tara, and Tiffany.
Kathy was proud to have served her country. She enlisted on July 27, 1983, into the Air Force National Guard. She served a majority of her military career with the Iowa Air National Guard 132 SFS Fighter Wing where she retired, and was honorably discharged on June 17, 2009. She attained the rank of Master Sergeant and held many special honors including First Sergeant.
Kathy loved spending time with her family. Boating, golfing, and traveling were amongst some of her favorite things to do with them. She also enjoyed reading her favorite books and gardening. She adored spending time with her grandchildren and even her grand-dogs. She had just recently rescued three kittens that she was also very fond of. Kathy was a caring, loving person that will be dearly missed by her family and all those who knew and loved her.
Those left to cherish Kathy’s memory include her husband, Tom of Nemaha, IA; daughters: Tawnya (Michael) Harbaugh of Jefferson, IA, Tara (Brian) Wilson of Carroll, IA, and Tiffany (Zach) Peterson of Edmond, OK; grandchildren: Matthew (Alissa) Rickers of Madrid, IA, Kasey Rickers (fiancé Corey Jacobs) of Auburn, IA, and Jordan Wilson of Carroll, IA; many extended family members and friends.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Celesta Smith; and parents-in-law Raymond and June Roberts.
Kathy’s family has planned a memorial service and her final resting place will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA. That is planned for May 10th 2019, at 11am. In lieu of flowers the family requests any memorials be sent to The Kathy Roberts Memorial at Iowa State Bank in Sac City, Iowa. The family plans to then make donations to the organizations that Kathy held dear to her heart.
