Roberta P. Crenshaw

Roberta Crenshaw Obituary

Family-Placed Obituary

Robert P. Crenshaw Roberta P. Crenshaw, 90, of Austin, died peacefully in her home on February 8, 2005. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Malcolm Reed, Fagan Dickson, and Charles Crenshaw; her daughter, Roberta Burns; and her grandson, Hyde Hibberd. She is survived by her daughter, Lucy R. Hibberd; grandson, Reed Burns; grandson and family, Holton, Maite, and Malcolm Burns; granddaughter and family, Farish, Berenger, and Lindsey Burns-Stevens. A service will be held at Reed Park, 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2005. Memorials and guestbook online at wcfish.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman from Feb. 10 to Feb. 12, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Roberta Crenshaw

8 Entries

Jim Windwalker

November 20, 2006

The greatest hope and the greatest honor for any activist is that others will take up the cause of their fight. By doing so they will forever keep our efforts alive and so shall we find imortality through your efforts.

If each of us can touch just a handfull of others who will keep our voices alive even past our earthly existance, then we may perhaps one day see the fruit of our long labors completed.

With Respect,
Jim Windwalker

Ron Lenamon Jr

April 29, 2006

I only spoke with Mrs. Crenshaw, once, but she seemed to be a very good steward of the land.She also had an energy for learning, I sensed. My stories of Alaska intriguied her. The Charro ranch is, in my opinion, one of the finest examples of stewardship in Hays County. She must have inspired her grandchildren to carry-on the legacy. Farish, Holton and Reed, Sorry for your loss., Regards, Ron

james neill

March 3, 2005

My greatest condolences to Lucy Hibberd. Her mother was as strong as Lucy is.

Roberta Newcomer

February 15, 2005

Cousin Roberta (Bobbie) who was my Mother's and Aunts first cousin and my 2nd cousin will always be remembered, as my mother named me after her. She was there for me and my family, and after my mother passed away, we shared a trip to Aspen that I have many great memories of being with her, as well as Lucy, and my Aunt, Joyce Kellogg. Cousin Roberta (Bobbie's) influence will be felt during our life time and will live in our hearts forever.

Janet Reed

February 10, 2005

Mrs. Crenshaw ,Bobbie, was a caring person dedicated to Austin and all that makes Austin very special. It was a special honor to work with her in the '50's and 60's for the betterment of the city we both loved. Sympathy to her loved ones. She will always be with us.

John Bernardoni

February 10, 2005

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

To: Rich Oppel, Editor – Austin American Statesman

From: John Bernardoni – Co-founder – Paramount Theatre

Re: Roberta Crenshaw’s passing – today’s paper

Mr. Oppel – I was the individual who spearheaded the preservation, restoration and rejuvenation of The Paramount Theatre from 1973-1985, serving as artistic director and executive producer during that time. I worked with Bobbie Crenshaw for over a decade to halt the demolition of this historic theatre. Without Bobbie’s generosity on all levels, there would be no Paramount Theatre today, period. This is a letter to the editor:

“It is unimaginable to think what would have transpired with The Paramount Theatre’s resurrection had it not been for the generosity and tireless efforts of Roberta Crenshaw. We were up against the wall with a grant application to the Economic Development Administration (U.S. Dept. of Commerce) without which the restoration effort would have stalled permanently. The hurdle we had to overcome was this – the EDA would not consider the grant unless we “owned” the building and land. At that time we had a long lease with two trusts at then American Bank. I asked Bobbie if she would consider donating her 50% interest also owned by her daughters. Finally, she agreed. The other trust gave us a 99 year lease tantamount to ownership. The EDA gave us a grant of $750,000 and The Paramount was truly saved. The EDA would end up making $1.85 million in grants to The Paramount. But she did so much more for the theatre. The first board meeting was at her house. She single handedly launched a campaign to raise $10,000 for each of the six opera boxes restoration. Bobbie served on our board for umpteen years. She was a driving force who gave the theatre legitimacy with Austin’s business, political and social set. There is one particular moment that stands out which showed Bobbie’s true sprit. Beautifully dressed, she stopped by the theatre to see how a particularly difficult painting job was progressing wherein the walls are “umbered” with a natural sponge. Not liking what she saw, she scrambled up the scaffolding in the inner lobby, high heels and all, and proceeded to show the painter how it was done. That was Bobbie Crenshaw in spades. She was both regal and down to earth, ready to roll up her sleeves and do whatever it took. Bobbie had a tremendous impact on my life as a young man of 25. She became a close friend, teacher, mentor, guide yet had no problem putting me in my place in her sensitive manner if she thought I was off base. No performing arts organization or young dreamer had a better friend. Millions of people have had their hearts lifted in The Paramount, in large part to Bobbie Crenshaw’s indomitable spirit. What a woman. God, get ready for a powerhouse on her way to heaven.”

Helene Schmidt

February 10, 2005

It saddens me deeply to learn of the death of our Mrs. Crenshaw.

She was a "green activist" before it was chic to be one.She understood the importance of our native plants and not permitting certain developers to cover our world in cement and tarmac!!

Thanks to her selfless dedication to preserving everything that is good and beautiful about our local Austin plantlife, the joy of the outdoors, the wonderful trees and plants will be here for future generations to enjoy.

She really was a steel magnolia, charming ,gracious, persuasive and dedicated to the environment!She was also an excellent lobbyist.

She will be missed here!

Charlie Crenshaw

February 9, 2005

I remember "Bobbie" as the wonderful companion, wife stepmother to my Father and us for 23 years. She was generous, kind and respectful of all of our family. We were very close to them when my Dad got sick and shared many hours together. I will remember her for the love she shared for Dad and my family.

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