Born in Yreka to Marie and Henry Davis, Roberta was a descendant of the Yurok and Karuk people. She was the youngest of her siblings earning her the life long nickname “Sissy.”

At the age of two her father was killed in the Korean War. Her family then moved to the coast to be near her grandma, Frances Tripp. It was here her mom met and married Charles Haight whom Berta considered her dad and he loved and cared for her as his own daughter. Berta married at 16 and had two children. After they divorced she met and married Randall Christensen and together they had two children. After Randall died in 1969 she pursued nursing school but found it was not for her. She was a teachers aide at Dows Prairie School for a short time until she met and married Richard Howard in 1973. They had one son together. Roberta also worked at a few Trinidad businesses — Cher-ae Heights, Seascape Restaurant, and finally Emerald Forest until her retirement.

Berta always made lifelong friends, and anyone who met her loved her for that fun loving attitude that made you feel comfortable. She never judged anyone, and the world will not be the same for those who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Marie Haight, her siblings Allie, Robert and Maydene, her son Richard Howard and true love, Elvis.

Berta was survived by her children Coral (Kevin) Goodwin, Michael (Tracii) Rassbach, Ellen (Dwyane) Duncan, and Randall Christensen Jr., grandchildren Bear, Callie, Angel, Jason, Kelly, Ellie, Lucas, Henry, Joe and Lyla, as well as 5 great grandchildren. Nieces amd nephew: Joe, Connie, Linda, Lynelle, Dale, Gary, Angela, Levi and George. Also her agate hunting, two best buddies Sue and Coreen. Thanks to Mad River for allowing me to be with mom as she passed peacefully. we will be having a fire and a celebration of her life on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 3 p.m.

She would want you all to celebrate so bring your memories and music to share around a ceremonial bonfire at her daughter and son-in-law’s home @ 1904 Pishka Ct., Mckinleyville. Weather permitting. Please contact Ellen @ 707-839-3773. All friends and family are welcome to bring a favorite dish if they wish to do so.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Roberta Howard’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.