Roberta “Bert” Morrison, 54, of Baileyville lost her battle against cancer on Friday, December 15, 2017 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital.

The youngest of five children; Roberta Jean Farley was born on May 25, 1963 at the Onaga Hospital to Wilbur D. and Joyce Coverdale Farley.  She grew up in the Corning Community and learned the importance of hard work and being frugal at an early age from her parents. 

She attended Centralia High School; receiving recognition for volleyball and participation on the State Track team.  Her mother died tragically while Roberta was still in high school.  Her senior year Roberta lived with her Uncle Elmer and her Aunt JoAnn Farley; she graduated with the Class of 1981.

At the tender age of 18, Roberta joined the work force and was employed for CR (Chicago Rawhide) Industries; currently known as SKF.  For twelve years she worked at the seal plant, until May of 1993 when she quit to pursue the field of nursing. Roberta loved to be busy and in her youth, could often be found working behind the bar at Four Corners Bar and the Soldier Bar.

As a Certified Nurses’ Aide (C.N.A.), Roberta was known for her attention to detail and her work ethic.  She began her career at Eastridge Nursing Home.  She obtained her status as a Rehabilitative Aide from Manhattan Area Technical Center on April 30, 1994; and her Medication Aide Certificate (C.M.A.)  from Highland Community College December 20, 1995.  She left Eastridge February of 1995; when she began working at Cambridge Assisted Living in Marysville as a CMA.  Roberta worked a short time for Three Rivers helping Kevin Holthaus in the mornings. She began her employment at Crestview, initially working nights in 1995.

Roberta quickly proved herself as a dynamic employee at Crestview and in 2000 was elevated to a leadership position as the Restorative Program Coordinator and Medical Records.  Roberta was a valued leader and organized employee. She truly cared for the residents she served and helped out whenever and wherever she was most needed.  She was an excellent spokesperson for Crestview both cheering on her co-workers and advocating for the residents.  She was extremely knowledgeable and always took the time to pass on her years of vast practical experiences to others. Roberta suffered a stroke on September 23, 2017 and was on medical leave at the time of her death.

Roberta eloped with John Morrison, Sr and the couple was married on May 31, 1995 in Clarksville, Tennessee.    John had two children from a previous marriage, John Jr. and Janet; but Roberta loved and cared for them as if they were her own.   Roberta’s pride and joy were her grandchildren, she was so very proud of each and every one of them and their accomplishments.  She spent numerous hours with them enjoying helping them with crafts, painting and teaching them how to build small projects. She always made it a priority to attend their school events and ballgames.   Every summer John and Roberta set up a swimming pool that the grandkids could enjoy. It was important to Roberta to create special memories with her grandchildren, memories that they would cherish for a lifetime.  

Roberta was very capable with her hands and understood mechanics.  She remodeled her first home, learning along the way, doing most of the work herself.  John and Roberta purchased a 1900s farm house which they pain steakingly restored back to its original glory; which she kept meticulously.   She treasured old furniture which she loved to bring back to its original beauty to fill her home.   

Roberta used her artistical abilities to create beautiful quilts for her family and fund raisers.  She loved to see what her could create on a shoestring budget, often just using up old fabrics. Roberta appreciated a good -time and never met a stranger.  She relished sitting around the campfire, cooking on an open fire and enjoying a Red Beer.  She loved spending time with good friends; and for many years hosted a Memorial Weekend Party.  When it came to travel and vacations Roberta was always ready to go; as long as it did not involve air travel.  She enjoyed traveling with Beav and Deb Koch, in their motor home. Not necessarily hoping to make it rich but rather just something to pass the time, she enjoyed going to the Casino.

Roberta was preceded in death by her parents, Joyce on November 29, 1980 and Wilbur on June 21, 1991; two infant siblings, Chris D. on June 6, 1960 and Rhonda J. on June 13, 1966; and her brother, Charles A. Farley on December 15, 2011.

Roberta leaves behind her husband of 22 years, John; children, John (Becca) Morrison Jr of Centralia and Janet (Brad Haug) Morrison of Vermillion; grandchildren, Kyle Morrison, Abigail Brucken, Reagan Morrison, Aiden Caffrey, Trey Morrison and Hailey Strathman; sisters, Rosemary (Walter) Junod of Soldier and Rosalie Cecil of Holton; and a brother Carl Farley of Soldier.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 18, 2017 from 6-8 PM at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca, Kansas.  Funeral Services will be Tuesday, December 19th at 11 AM at Lauer Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Baileyville City Cemetery.

Memorials may be left in Roberta’s name to C.O.I.N.S. for a cause.