Roberta “Berta” Ann Newton Schaffer, 85, of Queen Creek, AZ, passed away December 4, 2022, peacefully at home surrounded by her family.
She was born on February 15, 1937, in Denver, CO, to Bonnie Jean Newton and Otto Newton. Roberta was the oldest child and the only girl. Roberta had two brothers, Otto Newton, Jr. (Juny) and Gary Newton.
She attended the Eureka one-room school house for grades 1-5, and then to Eckley School for grades 6-13. She played a trumpet in the Eckley band, and used to ride a horse to school. Roberta milked cows by hand morning and night, along with other family chores. Her best friend was Nedra Probasco (Mekelburg). She came back to Eckley every year to attend class reunions, family reunions and Old Settlers.
Roberta attended secretary school in Denver. She then went to work for Sundstrand, where she met the lover of her life, Melvin Schaffer. They married and had two children, Annette Williams and Raymond Schaffer.
In 1989, Roberta and Mel moved to Mesa, AZ.
Roberta had several careers through the years. At Motorola she worked third shift so she could be home in the mornings to get her kids off to school. She also sold Avon for many years.
When Roberta and Mel retired, they moved to Payson, AZ. She took up quilting and made several quilts for family and friends. She also loved gardening, attending church, spending time with friends, playing cards and Bingo. She loved her cats, Gilliam and Mel.
Most of all, Roberta loved her family and having opportunities to spend time with her children, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. She will be dearly missed by all that know her.
Roberta was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Schaffer, her parents, Bonnie and Otto Newbanks, and brother Otto Newton, Jr.
2022-12-23