Roberta Lee Holmes Davis
July 11, 1941 – July 29, 2026
Roberta Lee Holmes Davis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, nurse, musician, and faithful servant of Jesus, peacefully entered the presence of her Savior on July 29, 2026, at the age of 85.
Roberta was born on July 11, 1941, in Los Angeles, California. She spent most of her life in Humboldt County, where she and her family built a lifetime of memories on the family ranch atop Fickle Hill. It was there that her love for animals and the outdoors flourished. Whether she was caring for chickens, cows, horses, dogs, or even a pet deer, or gardening, while trying to keep the deer out—Roberta delighted in God’s creation and found joy in the simple pleasures of life.
She was married to Lou Davis for 53 years. Together they raised a family that became the joy of their lives.
Roberta devoted 36 years of her life to caring for others as an ICU Charge Nurse and Cardiac Care Unit nurse at Mad River Community Hospital in Arcata, California. She was known for her calm presence, exceptional skill, compassionate heart, and unwavering commitment to her patients and coworkers. Her heart for caring extended well beyond the hospital. Each summer, Roberta used her vacation time to serve as a nurse at children’s camps, including Royal Family Kids Camp, Blue Slide Camp, and Triumphant Life Camp. Nursing was never just a career for Roberta; it was one of the many ways she lived out her faith by serving others.
An energetic woman with an adventurous spirit, Roberta loved to run. She participated in local races throughout Humboldt County and even completed the Avenue of the Giants Marathon at age fifty. But those who knew her best will remember far more than the races she ran. They will remember her deep faith that shaped generations, spontaneous trips with her children and grandchildren to Maple Creek on hot summer days, family stories she loved to tell, music lessons at the piano, sewing projects spread across the table, hours spent in the garden, and the unforgettable enchilada hash that became a family favorite. She packed more life into an ordinary Tuesday than most people fit into a week.
Her greatest passion, however, was her faith in Christ. For forty years, Roberta and Lou faithfully attended and served at First Covenant Church in Eureka. She served in the nursery, sang in the choir, served in Bible Study Fellowship, and ministered to countless children and adults through her love of God’s Word. An accomplished pianist, she accompanied Lou as he sang in church services. Together they also sang with the Humboldt Chorale, traveling on two European choral tours.
Roberta treasured Scripture. Family and friends never tired of watching her recite all sixty-six books of the Bible in less than thirty-six seconds, a fun talent that reflected a lifetime of hiding God’s Word in her heart. After moving in with her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Laurie, she attended New Heart Community Church in McKinleyville, where her joyful smile, warm hugs, and sweet spirit became a blessing to everyone who knew her.
Above all, Roberta loved her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose encouragement, generosity, laughter, and steadfast faith shaped generations. Her home was always a place of warmth, music, conversation, and unconditional love.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lou Davis; her daughter, Anne Hodge; her grandson, Michael Davis; her son-in-law, Scott Kingery and her sister Rebecca Bertain.
Roberta is lovingly survived by her brother, Dean (Shay) Holmes; her children, Mark (Laurie) Davis, Jon (Carmen) Davis, Laura (Don) Chin, Lisa (Abe) Cho, Keith (Heather) Hodge, Janine (Jeff) Ragan, and Julie (Jon) Luken; 26 cherished grandchildren; 20 treasured great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Roberta faced the final fifteen years of her life with Alzheimer’s disease in the same way she faced every season, with remarkable grace, and an extraordinary capacity for joy. Even as memories faded, her love for God, her family, music, animals, and the simple blessings of each day remained. She continued to find beauty, laughter, and reasons to smile. Her life became a testimony that joy is not found in perfect circumstances but in a heart anchored in Christ.
Those who knew Roberta will forever remember her radiant smile, quick wit, beautiful piano playing, compassionate heart, and boundless energy.
Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply, the patients she compassionately cared for, the children she faithfully raised and taught, and the countless lives she touched by quietly pointing them toward Jesus.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
She often said, “Another day in paradise.” Today, she is finally home in the Paradise she always believed awaited her.
A private family gathering will be held to celebrate Roberta’s life, her beautiful legacy, and the joy of knowing she is now home with her Savior. For those who wish to honor Roberta’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to Triumphant Life Camp, PO Box 7156, Eureka, CA 95502, a ministry that was especially close to her heart where she served as camp nurse.

CONTACT: Laurie Davis 707 845-3183