Roberta “Bobbie” Lee Parker, 86, of Fortuna passed away on August 6, 2022. She was born on March 4, 1936, in Forks, Washington to William Warren Smith and Jessie Alexandria Smith. Roberta, along with her brothers and sisters, was raised in Forks, Washington. She graduated from Forks High School, Class of 1954.

In October 1955, Roberta married Sherman Leroy Parker in Forks. In August 1959, Roberta, Sherman, and their son Steve moved to Carlotta. Carlotta is where Roberta and Sherman made a home. Roberta worked as a bus driver and teacher’s aide at Cuddeback Elementary School. She was also a waitress and scorekeeper at the bowling alley in Fortuna for many years. Her longest held career was also her most cherished one, a homemaker to her husband, kids and grandchildren.

Roberta enjoyed many hobbies and activities throughout her life. While raising her children and grandchildren, she could be found at any sporting event they were participating in. When she wasn’t at the field or the courts, you could find her at the bowling alley. Whether she was watching her family bowl, keeping score, teaching the next generation how to bowl or bowling herself, she spent most of her days and nights there. Saturday mornings with the Junior Bowling League was one of the many things she was known for in the community. She enjoyed teaching the next generation how to bowl, how to keep score, and showing them her love for the sport. When Roberta was at home, you could find her crocheting a blanket, working on a quilt, mending clothes on her sewing machine, doing crossword puzzles, reading a western novel, or gardening. Roberta loved her family and some of her best days were spent with all her family at her house having a BBQ, playing horseshoes or cards and visiting.

Roberta is survived by her sons Steve Parker of Fortuna and Kenny Parker (Ginger) of Rio Dell, her daughter Bobbi Jo Parker of Alton, and her brother Allan Smith of Washington. She is survived by grandchildren Richie Wolfe, Reggie Henrikson, Steven Parker Jr, Leanne Henrikson, Bob Reid (Bobbi), Shannon Parker (Janelle), Heather Parker, Ashley Parker, Melissa Essig (Anthony), Shane Parker, Jake Prescott, Rebecca Parker, and Bailey Parker. She is also survived by many great-grandchildren.

Roberta was proceeded in death by her beloved husband Sherman, her mother and father, her sisters Aggie, May and Carrie, her brother Gary, and her daughters Shelley Elliott and Karen Reid.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, aides, and staff at Fortuna Wellness and Rehabilitation Center for the care they showed to Roberta during her time in their facility. Many of the staff members became like family to her.

A celebration of life was held on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at the Rio Dell Firehall from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to honor Roberta’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the local junior bowling league in honor of Roberta Parker at:

Harbor Lanes Junior Bowling League
Attn: Amanda Livingston
2136 Broadway St
Eureka, CA 95501

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The obituary above was submitted by Roberta Parker’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.