Loretta Roberson

 

Evelyn Loretta Roberson, 90, of Gillette, Wyoming passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of August 18, 2023.  She died of natural causes after a short stay at the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born June 6, 1933, to Harry and Lucy (Rathman) Evans in Keystone, South Dakota.  She was the youngest of four siblings.  She was raised in the Keystone and Custer area. After leaving school, she was employed as a telephone operator.

On December 11, 1954, she married Francis (Fritz) Roberson in Hill City.  Together they had three daughters, Cindy, Vicky, and Charlene.  They lived in South Dakota, Idaho, and Utah, finally settling in Wyoming.  They moved to Gillette, Wyoming in 1972 at the beginning of the coal boom.

Loretta worked as a school bus driver for the Campbell County School District for 22 years.  She was an active participant in bus “rodeos” and eventually became a trainer for other bus drivers.

After retiring, Fritz and Loretta returned to their beloved Black Hills hosting countless family and friends exploring the Hills and enjoying all it had to offer.

During her long life she enjoyed many hobbies including, leather crafting, bowling, hunting, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, and traveling with Fritz.  She especially enjoyed photography.

Loretta is survived by daughters Cindy Packard and Charlene Edwards (and their husbands), grandchildren, Kelly Daniel, Ja Packard, Jody Nester, and Lora Popkes, and six great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter Vicky Reznicek, her parents, and siblings.

A family memorial service will be held, Friday, August 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Gillette Memorial Chapel and will include live streaming.  Condolences may be sent to Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 10th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 and also on their website.