Roberta Mildred Hamby

Roberta Mildred Hamby

Roberta M. Hamby, 90, a nearly lifelong resident of Grays Harbor and Thurston counties died on Dec 23, 2010 in Des Moines, Washington. She was born Roberta Mildred Whitney in Orting, Washington, on June 9, 1920, to Vinal I. and Ruth A. Whitney. She was the oldest of five children. Her siblings were Vinal (J.R.), Margaret, Nancy, and Norma. Roberta spent the majority of her childhood in Montesano, Washington, graduating from Montesano High School in 1938. She attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. Roberta graduated from Whitman College in 1942 with a B.A. in Music.
At Whitman Roberta met and fell in love with James Q. Hamby, also a student at the college. They married on September 12, 1942. In 1945, following World War II, Jim and Roberta settled in Montesano and resided there until 1987. The Hambys had three children - James I., Susan L., and David Q. In addition to keeping the Hamby home on a day-to-day basis and supervising the rearing of her children, Roberta was active in the Montesano First Methodist Church, where, among other things, she was a longstanding member of the chancel choir. Additionally, through the years, she was involved in the Girl Scouts; the Cub Scouts; PEO; and numerous other civic and community activities. Roberta and Jim were hosts on several occasions to exchange students from Mexico and Palau (now Belau).
In 1987 Jim and Roberta moved to Olympia, Washington. They became active members of the First United Methodist Church of Olympia. Roberta sang in the chancel choir and participated in the bell choir. She continued her association with PEO. Roberta and Jim celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 1992.
Through the years Roberta was a busy mother, a loyal friend to many, and a mentor to family and friends alike. She is survived by her three children - James I. Cary-Hamby of Everett, Washington; Susan L. Hamby of Shoreline, Washington; and David Q. Hamby of Kent, Washington; six grandchildren - Monty M. Clowers, Kelly J. Milburn, Shawn D. Hamby, Shanelle M. Hamby, Shara T. Hamby, and Travis E. Cary-Hamby; eight great-grandchildren - Ashley L. Stringfellow, Andrew Q. Stringfellow, Jake W. Stringfellow, Zoe M. Milburn, Jaden G. Milburn, Anthony D. Hamby, Savannah M. Strausbaugh, and Amayah J. Stultz; and her three sisters - Margaret J. Waetje, Norma C. Lamson, and Nancy R. Bedell.
Donations may be made to World Vision (888)-511-6443 and Wesley Homes Foundation (866)-937-5390.