Burial and graveside services for Roberta Jean Brown, 76, of Exeter will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at Hamilton Cemetery. She passed away on Feb. 13 at her home in Exeter surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born on May 29, 1927 in Inglewood, Calif. to Nellie Laura and Charles Ross Gunn. She was raised in Riverside and it was there that she met her future husband, Floyd Brown. Floyd was in the Air Force and stationed at nearby March Field. They were married in 1946. After their marriage they returned to Floyd's home state of Illinois, where he attended the University of Illinois and received his degree in Civil Engineering. They moved to Exeter in 1951 where they raised their three children.
From 1962 to 1976 she managed the district office of then Senator Howard Way. Throughout the years she has always been involved with children, her own and others. She worked with Brownies, Girl Scouts, American Field Service programs and helped start Exeter Methodist Church day care nursery.
She was chosen Exeter Woman of the Year in 1981 for her many community contributions which she continued throughout her years. She was an essential member of the Exeter Hospital District and the Exeter Ambulance District. She was an officer in the League of Women Voters and secretary of the Tulare County Grand Jury. She later started "By The Water Tower Antiques" with her daughter, Cathy.
Her friends and family will best remember her for her enthusiasm for life and her continual quest for knowledge. In sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm she inspired so many to pursue their own dreams and interests. She loved nature and was an avid birdwatcher.
She is survived by her husband, Floyd; daughters, Cathy Martin of Exeter and Paula Rindal and husband, David of Kalispell, Mont.; son, David Brown and wife, Shirley of Exeter; five grandchildren, Emily and Evan Rindal, Daniel and Andrew Brown and Loni Martin; great-grandson, Reid; brothers Alvin Gunn and his wife, Pat of Cucamonga, Calif. and Jack Gunn of Lake Stevens, Wash.
She was preceded in death by her mother, father and brother, Charles.
Many people will miss her feisty spirit and have asked that they have their names added to the list of "broken hearts."
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Exeter Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 482, Exeter, CA 93221. On-line condolences may be made to www.smithfamilychapel.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Chapel, Exeter.
