Roberta J. McDow
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A visitation for Roberta J. McDow, 87, Lawrence will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2017, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Private inurnment will be at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery. She passed away Sunday, April 23, 2017, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Roberta was born April 24, 1929, in Cincinnati, IA, the daughter of Matthew and Helen (Wilkinson) Ross.
She was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, past President of Alvamar Country Club and a former President of the Lawrence Board of Realtors. She loved spending time with her grandkids, was a hole-in-one-good golfer, world traveler, bridge player, avid reader and a talented knitter. She was “Teacher” to a women’s knitting group for more than a decade. She had many friends whom she loved.
Roberta moved to Lawrence in 1959 and opened the Ben Franklin Store with Don. She then worked at McGrew Real Estate Agency and owned McDow/Bodin
Real Estate Agency for 24 years until she retired in 1990.
She married Donald Gene McDow September 9, 1949, in Kansas City, MO. He preceded her in death October 29, 2016.
Survivors include her daughters, Suzanne Nutt and husband, David, Deborah “Debbie” Miller and husband, Mark; five grandchildren, Sara Nutt (David Gagne), Katy Hamilton (Barrett), J. Bradley Nutt (Eleysha), Andrew Miller (Lacey), Erin Miller; six great-grandchildren, Augustus, Emery, Kellen, Konnor, Jayden, Landyn; and sister-in-law, Kay Dudley and Mac. She was preceded in death by her parents, Matt and Helen Ross; her son, Richard McDow; sister, Barbara Gibson; and niece, Linda Gibson.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Visiting Nurses or Douglas County Historical Society and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used everything you gave me.” – Erma Bombeck
Blessings to you and your family during this sad time. May the best and happiest memories arise to sustain you. Much love.
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sorry for your loss. Such a special person and wonderful neighbor….
Debbie and family: So sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. She was such fun to be around and put up with a lot when we were young.
And what a great cook! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mary and Steve Jones send our sincere condolences. We so much enjoyed our time with Roberta and Don. Both in business and on a personal level. Peace be with all of you.
Our prayers for the family , we were friends with Don and Roberta and our memories are wonderful of fun and business association.
We went to the Dinner to announce the formation of the real estate office by Roberta and Pat Bodine. Our children grew up together.
Roberta was a good friend and is remembered with love and respect.
Dear Debbie and family. So sorry to hear about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deb and family, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom! I have such great memories of her! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Much love, Dianne
Our thoughts
Our hearts go out to the family at this difficult time. Roberta was a good friend and neighbor and will be missed.
Remembering Roberta and Don as wonderful neighbors during my early years in Lawrence. Sincere Condolences to family and friends.
Debbie, I am sorry about the loss of both of your parents. That has happened so quickly. I know your life has really changed. It seemed I just saw you and your life revolved around them. I always enjoyed seeing them around town. I am sorry for your loss.