Roberta Charlotte Alward went to her Father in Heaven on Monday, February 9, 2015 at the age of 92.  Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton, Missouri.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri.  The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Henry County 4H Endowment Fund and may be left in care of the funeral home.  Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com .

Roberta was born in Doon, Iowa on July 19, 1922.  She was a teacher for the United States Army at various duty stations as well as the Alaska school district of over 25 years.  She was an honored finalist national teacher of the year in 1970.  Roberta's avid influence in the Alaska School District included pivotal accomplishments including assisting in the structuring of the entire teaching curriculum for the sciences and math divisions.

Her dedication to children was not limited to her teaching responsibilities, as her heart for children carried over after her retirement in 1973.  She was a leader in the 4-H for over 10 years.  Roberta was a member of Northeast Baptist Church in Clinton, Missouri.  Additionally, Roberta was active in the Alaska legislative scene, working closely in Nick Begich.  She was also one of the first women officers in the Benton County Elks Lodge.

After retirement both Roberta and her husband, Lee, enjoyed many travels to include many cruises.  Roberta also made a tour of the East with her friends, Julie and Jim.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Leroy B. Alward, sister Helen Forquer, and brothers Donald Rohweller, Bud Rohweller and Gorden Rowheller.

She is survived by her son, Harold L. Alward and wife Cris of Pomme De Terre and two daughters, Sandra L. Dudley and husband Spencer of Harrisonville, and Charlotte M. Paynter and husband Wade of Springfield.  She has 7 grandchildren, Aaron Crust, Jacob Crust, Michelle Wimsatt, Cody Mayle, Patrick Paynter, Zachary Paynter and Donald Nielsen, Jr., as well as 3 great-grandchildren, Violet Wimsatt, Grayson Wimsatt, and Lyla Snethen.

Services have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.