Roberta Dorothy Lukes

We here at the Louisville Youth Orchestra are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our "family". Programs are, of course, still here in the LYO office which contain Roberta's name and the many concerts in which she performed. The monies donated in her name will go directly to providing scholarships for economically disadvantaged violists within our ranks and our November concert will be dedicated to Roberta and her memory. Melody Welsh-Buchholz, Executive Director and staff member since...

July 26, 2009
Roberta and I shared an apartment for two years, first in Arlington, then in Somerville, on Line Street, while we were both finishing our dissertations. Mine might have never been finished had it not been for the multitudes of conversations we had on anything and everything around the kitchen table, some which led to 'carbon sculptures' (food burned in the stove) or the occasional egg exploding on the ceiling because the water had boiled away. During those two years there...

I went to high school with Roberta - she was someone I really admired. We last spoke when embarking on entrance to college, and I remembered she was going to Illinois at Urbana. I actually just happened to speak of her about a month ago; I mentioned her to a colleague (an elementary school teacher) on June 17 when I was at a training seminar! Roberta's 30-year high school reunion was last night and many of us learned of her passing. This is so sad. We all missed her. My thoughts and...

Anita and Tina,
On behalf of the 1968 class of Sacred Heart Academy we want to send to you and your family our heartfelt sympathy and prayers in the loss of your sister.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers,
SHA '68

Dear Michael and the Lukes family-In all my memory, I have never met anyone who displayed as much courage as Roberta in dealing with illness. I feel privileged to have had Roberta as a friend and a colleague at English At Large. I'll miss her deeply. Michael,my sympathy to you and all the family.

Michael and Mr. and Mrs. Lukes, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. It's been a long time since I knew Roberta in high school and youth orchestra. She was such a good friend and influence even though I was in Marguerite's classes. I loved living around the corner from you all. I always loved that I bought her viola. It started me winning orchestra jobs. Then when I sold it, I sold it to a violist in the L.O. and I believe it is still being played there to this day. I have many...

Mr and Mrs.Lukes,,so sorry to learn of your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May peace be with all of you.
June and Tom Bujnoski
Erie, Pa.
(Mary Louise Richwalsky's youngest sister and brother-in-law

To Michael and the Lukes family - I am Tina Morris' neighbor in Indianapolis -and want to extend heartfelt sympathy and prayers in memory of Roberta. All of our Indianapolis neighbors have been able to glimpse the remarkable life and vitality of Roberta thru Tina and shall continue to hold her in our thoughts and prayers. -John D. Short (Indianapolis).

What a great loss. I was just thinking of Roberta the other day. We hadn't seen each other since high school, but her smile, her music and her wonderful personality have stayed with me all these years.