Roberta Shoemaker

Roberta was born to Rolland and Frances Largent on Sept. 19, 1925 in Lancaster Calif. where her father was a high school science teacher. She was the oldest of five children. She attended grammar school in Lancaster. Later the family moved to Solana Beach Calif. where she attended junior high and high school. She met Tom Shoemaker in high school who was to become her future husband. They graduated together in 1943 and became engaged. Tom entered the Navy in Oct. of 1943 and Roberta entered UC Berkeley. Tom was to be shipped overseas and Roberta decided to leave the University so they could be married before he left. Tom never did go overseas so Roberta did not return to Berkeley. They were married on Nov. 1, 1944. Fifteen months later they were blessed with twin daughters, Karen and Sharon. Tom was honorably discharged from the Navy at the end of the war. Tom decided to go to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Calif. studying biology on the GI Bill. Tom graduated in 1950 and accepted a position of agricultural biologist in Alameda County where he arose to become Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1955 they were blessed with another daughter, Gayle. Roberta was a full-time homemaker until her children left home. She decided to complete her education. She graduated from UC Hayward with a BA in Early Childhood Education. Tom retired in 1978 and they moved to Oroville, Calif. where they have resided for the last 36 years. Roberta enjoyed golfing, traveling, tennis, bridge and church activities. She served on several boards at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Roberta is survived by her husband, Tom, of 69 years, three daughters, Sharon, Karen and Gayle, and five grand-children, David, Andrew, Susan, Ben and Maggie and two great-grandchildren, Makenna and Paige. A celebration of the life of Roberta Shoemaker, 88 of Oroville will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday January 25, 2014 at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 2350 Foothill Blvd in Oroville. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.brusiefh.com