Roberta O’Brien Barkley age 90, of Newton, Illinois passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney, Illinois.
At her request, no formal funeral services are being planned.
Roberta was born on June 12, 1933, in Jasper County, Illinois the daughter of Robert and Dorothy (Hamilton) O’Brien. Roberta married Kyle Mayo Barkley in St. Charles, Missouri on November 16th. He preceded her in death on September 18, 2015.
Following their marriage, Roberta and Kyle lived in California, both working for the Campbell Soup Company. They later returned to the Newton area. In addition to being a wife, mother and homemaker, Roberta worked at the shoe factory and E.R. Moore Cap and Gown.
In her free time, Roberts enjoyed cooking and listening to music, especially Johnny Cash. She and Kyle loved the television show Gunsmoke. She continued to watch the reruns every day. She liked animals and enjoyed spending time with her daughter’s dog. Through the years, Roberta attended the Cummins Church and Farina United Methodist Church.
Roberta will be loved and remembered by her daughter Shelly Miller of Newton and brother Robert O’Brien, Jr of Arkansas.
Her parents, husband Kyle, and siblings Betty O’Brien, Mary Urfer, Melba Frew and John O’Brien preceded her in death.
Special thoughts and memories from Shelly ~ Growing up, I fondly remember mom in the kitchen, cooking and canning. And her dad, spending time outside gardening or building something. Nobody could make a fried chicken dinner with frosted carrot cookies for dessert, like my mom. While my mom took me to church and taught me to cook, my dad taught me to read, to write and everything I would need to know about playing sports. They were my parents. They will live on in my heart and memories forever.
A special thank you to caregivers, friends and volunteers who helped care for mom, allowing her to stay in her home: Michael Shamhart, Newton; Livvy, Help at Home, Fairfield; Christine Milliman, Newton; Rose, West Liberty; Embarrass River Basin Agency, Newton; Shelly Andrews, Jasper County Senior Citizens; Beth, Honey Do Ministries; Betty Hallam; Quincy Vanderhoof; Crain Funeral Home; Tina Crain for her time, kindness and generosity; and my heavenly Father for mercifully sending special angels; Shaylee Rae Miller, Mike Shamhart, David Robert, Debbie Lindemann, Larry Phipps, Nichole Malloch, Elizabeth King, Doris Facer, Newton and Rosalie Thon, Alberta, Canada.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Shelly Barkley Miller.
Online condolences may be offered at www.crainfuneral.com.
