Roberta "Rob" McKelvy

Roberta "Rob" McKelvy passed away on February 22, 2024, in Hendersonville, North Carolina following a six-month battle with a serious illness.
Rob was born on June 20, 1953, in Beaufort, South Carolina to Fred and Mildred "Millie" (VanDomelen) Norcross. Millie died when Rob was a young child, but Millie's kind, loving presence left a lasting impression on Rob that would become a source of strength throughout Rob's life. Rob also found strength in her relationship with her older brother Tom. Together, Tom and Rob experienced the simple joys of childhood, helped each other navigate a world without their mother, and became lifelong friends and confidants. Tom preceded Rob in death, along with her parents Millie and Fred.
As a result of her early challenges, Rob became determined, self-reliant, and highly capable. She earned a degree from Baylor University in 1974 and entered the healthcare field as a medical technologist. While working as a medical technologist, Rob met a doctor named Warren. Rob and Warren married in 1981 and remained married until Rob's death in 2024.
Rob and Warren settled in Roswell, New Mexico, and raised four boys: Ian, Zach, Mark, and Luke. Rob was a dedicated mother and a rock for her family. She established the daily rhythm and provided a sense of order, stability, and tradition. She also homeschooled Mark and Luke while still managing to find the time to regularly bring the family together over a home-cooked meal. Rob taught her children right from wrong, her love of baseball, and the importance of health and fitness, among many other things. After her children spread their wings and left the nest, Rob always provided a place to come back to, and she worked tirelessly to keep the family connection alive with regular photos, letters, and journals. Over time she became a proud grandmother to six grandchildren: Erynn, Reid, Adisynn, Tiegann, Tate, and Sawyer.
Rob and Warren eventually moved to Hendersonville, North Carolina following Warren's retirement. In North Carolina, Rob's outgoing nature, energy, and curiosity allowed her to discover new activities and make fast friends. She loved hiking with her new friends, honing her photography skills with her camera club, and unwinding at weekly movie nights.
Perhaps most importantly, Rob was a woman of God. Her faith touched every aspect of her life. She was an active church participant, led Bible studies and small groups, and contributed to organizations centered around strengthening the family. She used her faith to lift up her friends and family, and she never hesitated to share what she believed. She studied the Bible regularly, and she looked to God to direct her path until He took her home.
The family is grateful to the staff at the Four Seasons Elizabeth House for all of their support and care, to Alan Parnell at Forest Lawn for his personal touch and compassion, and to all of Rob's friends for their help through a difficult time.
A memorial service will be held at Grace Blue Ridge Church, 109 Florence Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 on Saturday, March 2 at 10:30 AM. Pastor Chas Morris will be officiating.
A second memorial service will be held at Grace Community Church, 935 W Mescalero Road, Roswell, NM 88201 on Wednesday, March 6 at 10:00 AM. Pastor Rick Hale will be officiating.