Roberta Faith Worcester, age 83, resident of Willard, died on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at home, surrounded by family. She was born December 27, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Dr. William & Bettie (Kerr) Kauffman. She was a young girl when she moved to Willard.
Roberta graduated from Willard High School in 1957. She graduated from Hiram
College with B.A. in Music Education and received her Masters degree in Music Education from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
She taught at Cuyahoga Falls City Schools, University School, Bloomington, Indiana, and Willard City Schools. While at Willard Schools, she worked as a substitute teacher, Kindergarten teacher aide, and 7th grade general music teacher. Also, for ten years each, she coached 7th grade girls volleyball and worked during the summer months as a pre-K teacher at the Migrant School.
She married her high school classmate Russell Worcester in 1967, who was a local, handsome farmer from Greenfield Township.
Bobbie was a past member of the Music Study Club, a founding member of the Willard High School Fine Arts Board, Community Choir Director, served on the United Fund Board, American Lung Association of Huron County, serving as Ambassador for the Lung Association along with son Andrew one year. She was a founding member of the Willard Area Historical Society serving as Vice President its first year & serving as President the second year. She was a former member of the Research Club, serving as president, program chairman, and secretary.
She was choir director at Grace Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church &
Willard Christian Reformed Church in Celeryville.
In her later years, she attended the Willard Christian Reformed Church on Maple Street.
After retirement, she remained active by participating in Yoga classes, low-impact aerobics classes & maintaining a walking schedule. According to her, it was the next best thing to dancing.
She is survived by three sons, Robert (Sharon) Worcester of rural Norwalk;
Andrew Worcester of Willard; Philip (Marianna) Worcester of rural Willard; and one daughter Bettie (Robert) Whitright of Willard. Grandchildren include Amber & Jeremiah, Ethan, Savannah & Connar, Brayden, Emma & Ellie; one special great-grandchild T.J.; one brother, Charles (Nancy) Kauffman of Columbia, South Carolina; one nephew, William Kauffman of Columbia, South Carolina; one niece, Sheri (Chris) Keays and her two children, Jason and Kevin of Hobe Sound, Florida and two close cousins, Louise Hare of Hillard, Ohio; Marjorie Moore of Hardeesville, South Carolina and several cousins in Michigan.
She enjoyed being outside, traveling, and spending time with her family, grandchildren, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her Father and Mother, her husband, Russell Worcester, and her sister, Leslie Kauffman.
Calling hours will be on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Secor Funeral Home in Willard from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Her funeral service will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Christian Alliance Church, formerly First Presbyterian Church of Willard, 124 W Maple Street, Willard, Ohio with Pastor Bart McKelvey officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Willard Food Bank, Operation Smile, or the donor's choice.
She and her family wish to thank both Helping Hands and Heartland Hospice for their in-home care.
Online condolences can be left for the family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Bob Boyd - Dec 14, 2023
Rob, Andrew, Bettie, and Philip: I was saddened to learn of your mom's passing. I was grateful to reconnect with her by phone before she was promoted to Heaven. Cousin Roberta was a special woman who exuded a genuine glow to everyone she met. I have many fond memories of our visits to Willard for family get-togethers and picnics at your family farm. She exemplified the gospel by doing as much as saying. She was a beautiful woman and will be deeply missed by all. My heartfelt condolences to each of you and your families. Love, Cousin Bob
chandos gose Norwalk,Ohio - Nov 22, 2023
Sorry to hear of Bobby passing away. I was a classmate of 1957 at Willard High School with Bobby I looked forward to seeing her every year at our reunion at the Elks club in Willard. Shee wll be terribly missed by everyone who new her. Chandos Gose
Darrell & Alexis Moll - Nov 21, 2023
To the family.. what a wonderful person Bobbi was. She came to Celeryville to direct our choir.. and she was terrific. Not only as a director who challenged us to reach beyond our comfort zone, but as a genuinely fantastic human being. We loved and respected her. When a few of us sang in the Messiah with Town & Country in Norwalk in the late 80's, she was there. Years later we would see her in Norwalk at St. Peter's and she always came over to say hello. May God be with you all. She will be missed, but never forgotten.
Charlotte Cunningham - Nov 20, 2023
I was truly blessed to know Bobbie. Her smile was infectious and she always had the time to talk about family and friends whenever we found ourselves together. She will be missed. My deepest condolences to the family.
Moe and Mary Moore - Nov 18, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss. We was on vacation and read of Bobbie's passing when we returned home on Tuesday, the 14th. She was such a lovely person. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy and Jim Daniel - Nov 15, 2023
To the Worcester family, so sorry to her about Bobbie's passing. I was blessed to have her as my Kindergarten Aide for several years. It was such a pleasure to work with Bobbie. May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Barbara Blankenship - Nov 13, 2023
I’m so sorry to hear about Roberta’s passing. Truly a sweet and genuine person. She will be missed by many. My condolences to all of you.
John and Tina Hamons - Nov 13, 2023
Phil, Marianna and the Worcester family…our hearts go out to you all and we are so sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers!
Karen and Al Bedingfield - Nov 13, 2023
So sorry for the loss of Bobbie! She always would stop and chat with us when we would see her out and about! We have known her for many years as we lived beside her Mom Bettie Kaufman! She was a kind soul and will be missed by all who knew her!
Peggy Opatken - Nov 12, 2023
Sorry to hear of Bobbi s passing. I always enjoyed teaching with her. She was a friendly and caring person.
Sandy Shock - Nov 11, 2023
I will always remember Roberta with a kind smile and a positive comment to everyone she came in contact with. She was a wonderful light to the citizens of Willard. My deepest sympathies to the family as you mourn her passing. Heaven is cheering her arrival.❤️
Joni Buckingham Robinson - Nov 11, 2023
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Sweet mother and grandmother. My grandmother Eva Lydy was Dr. Kauffman’s nurse. My mom Alice became great friends with Roberta. My prayers are with you and your family.
Brian Botdorf - Nov 11, 2023
Bobbie was just the sweetest person and was always a joy to be around. She was a blessing to the Willard music program and she will be missed.
Kathleen v. Miller - Nov 11, 2023
I was sorry to hear of Roberta's death. She was so friendly and such a beautiful smile.
Ed and Liz Scheid - Nov 11, 2023
We send our heartfelt sympathy to the entire Worcester family. Bobby was a very nice person and always happy. Enjoyed conversations with her. ❤️
Kathleen McNeal - Nov 11, 2023
I'm so sorry for your loss. Her passing is a loss to the whole community. I'll miss her. I'm glad to have known her
Sue and Joe Ditz - Nov 11, 2023
Philip, Marianna and family, our deepest sympathy for the loss of your mom.
Bill, Jamie, and Olivia Krabill - Nov 10, 2023
Bettie and family - we are so sorry to hear about your mom. Thinking of you and your entire family.
Marilyn Sands - Nov 10, 2023
So sorry to hear of Bobbie’s passing. I always enjoyed talking with her and seeing her smile! Thinking of the entire family! 💕
Wendy Ayres Daniel - Nov 10, 2023
I was so sorry to hear about your mom, she always had a smile and a kind word to share. Many thoughts and prayers.
Tommy, Amber and children Thomas, Daniel and Ian Reynolds - Nov 10, 2023
Wow this is a tough one. Bobbie really was an amazing woman. We may not of spent a lot of time together and if hindsight was foresight... Rest in peace Grandma Bobbie those angels have a new music teacher to lead them in Heavenly song. Our condolences to all who lost this woman. Amen
Dick & Jeannine Snay - Nov 10, 2023
To Bobbie's family, what a dear friend and class mate she was, we are feeling her loss already. Bobbie was an amazing lady, besides a good walking companion, and garage sale expert! And, she was kindness personified! Thinking of all of you, in Sympathy and Prayer, Rest in Peace Bobbie.
Jim & Jackie Ratliff - Nov 10, 2023
To the Worcester family, our sincere sympathy to all of you. Bobbie was a wonderful lady and will be missed. Keeping all of you in our prayers at this sad time.
Donna Myers - Nov 10, 2023
Roberta was a genuine lady. She lived a life we should all emulate. Never too busy to stop to ask, how are you and with such sincerity. Everyone who knew Roberta was blessed to call her a friend!
Joan Ebert - Nov 10, 2023
Robbie, Andy, Betty and Philip, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Know that she is now with be beloved Russell again. Sending hugs, Joanie
Charles Eames - Nov 10, 2023
I greatly enjoyed knowing Bobbie. She did so much for the Willard community. My thoughts and prayers are with the Worcester family. Charles Eames Waycross, Georgia
Barb Gerber - Nov 10, 2023
My sincere condolences to all of Roberta’s family. Prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Fratta family - Nov 10, 2023
A great teacher and friend who we loved working with! Our condolences to the family!
Dave and Becky Halliwell - Nov 10, 2023
Bobbi was a wonderful woman. She will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are the Worcester family
Bruce & Kathy Harter - Nov 9, 2023
Our sincere condolences to the Worcester family. I always appreciated Bobbie’s encouraging and positive outlook. May your many memories see you through this difficult time.
Bob Moore - Nov 9, 2023
Rob, Andy. Bettie, and Philip - Heartfelt condolences on your loss. Your Mom was one of the kindest people I ever met. She asked how you were, looked you in the eyes and really was interested in what you had to say. She surely had a life well lived.
Jim and Pam Martin - Nov 9, 2023
To the Worcester family. We were sorry to hear of Bobbie's passing. She was such a nice lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Linda Veletean - Nov 9, 2023
To all of Bobbie’s family please know that you have my deepest sympathy. Your mother was one of the most pleasant people I ever knew. Always spoke and was always positive about everything. She will truly be missed by our community.
Don and Sharon Danhoff - Nov 9, 2023
To the Worcester family: our condolences to all of you. Bobbi was a wonderful lady. Always had a smile and a pleasant outlook on life. Willard will miss her in that she would get involved….whether it be church or something involving local history.
Sue Wolfe - Nov 9, 2023
Bettie, Philip, Andy and Robert, I am sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I have known her for such a long time. She was a very special lady and such a good friend to both Phil and I. Kind thoughts and prayers for the whole family.
Caid McKinley - Nov 9, 2023
So sorry to hear about your mother. What a wonderful lady! Always stopped to say hello and see how things were going. We would often talk about the "good old days". Loved her book about her father...he was a great man! She will be missed by many.
Alice Alt & Susan Alt - Nov 9, 2023
Sincere Condolences for the best neighbor anyone could wish for! May you rest in peace. Alice and Susan Alt.
