Obituaries

Roberta Bexten

Photo of Roberta Bexten
Roberta "Bert" Bexten, age 73, of St. Thomas, entered heaven on Saturday, September 24, 2011, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Vienna on January 3, 1938, daughter of the late Paul and Leavera (Bade) Sandbothe. On September 16, 1961, in Vienna, Bert married Harold Henry Bexten, who survives at the home. Despite her illness, she orchestrated their 50th wedding anniversary celebration with a mass, dinner, and dance. Bert worked for the Missouri State Highway Patrol for several years prior to staying home to raise her children. She later returned to work for the Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City, where she has worked for the past 32 years. She loved to travel, bowl, dance, listen to music, and attend concerts. She was an inspiration to her family and friends and a true testament of her faith. She attended mass daily most of her life and lived her life to the fullest. Bert was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Her zest for life continued throughout the past six years of undergoing chemotherapy. Her faith and the support and prayers of many who knew her carried her through her courageous journey. She is also survived by three daughters, Lisa Coots and husband Harold of Lohman, Elaine Deeken and husband Luke of Linn, and Brenda Schell and husband Sam of St. Thomas; 10 grandchildren, Ellen Coots, Steven Coots, Thomas Coots, Bradley Deeken, Travis Deeken, Stephanie Deeken, Ryan Deeken, Brooke Schell, Adam Schell, and Emily Schell; one sister, Eleanor Haller of Jefferson City; and one brother, Norbert Sandbothe of Lake St. Louis. She was preceded in death by one infant sister, Theresa Marie Sandbothe. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., with visitation from 9 to 10 a.m., on Wednesday, September 28, 2011, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in St. Thomas. Rev. Mark Porterfield will officiate. Interment will be in St. Thomas Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., with a rosary and prayer service at 4 p.m., on Tuesday, September 27, at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to go toward masses, St. Thomas the Apostle School, or Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.

Published September 27, 2011