Roberta (as known as Bert or Bobbie) Counts (McDaniel) escaped this mortal realm on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, at the age of 71. We think she did it on purpose to avoid having to endure another presidential election cycle.
Preceded in death by parents Robert Leon McDaniel and Betty Burney Cockburn; as well as husband, Harmon Edward Counts, she leaves behind sisters Linda, Jesse and Betty; daughters Michelle, Kim, May, Tammy and Rebecca, as well as 13 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and the yogurt and ice cream industries, for which she was an unofficial spokesman. And with no dietary restrictions to hinder her, she continued in this role until the very end.
In addition to memberships at the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and VFW post 6337, throughout her life she held many titles; loving daughter, energetic teenager, devoted wife, faithful mother, spoiling grandmother, true friend – and if you don’t believe that, just ask her. Oh wait, it’s too late for questions, sorry!
Roberta served 30 years of her working life at Hussmann Refrigeration, working that entire time as a sheet metal worker…or so we thought. She revealed to one of her daughters one day that she used to be a hooker – and after a (very) pregnant pause – she added ‘on the paint line at Hussmann of course!’ Yes, she was a bit of a comedian, too.
In 2001 she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Through these past 18 years she has fought her battle with dignity and honor, never once complaining about the hand she was dealt. If you knew her, you already know she was an amazing woman. She will be deeply missed. She would remind us all…do your best, follow your arrow, make something amazing of your life, don’t count your chickens before they hatch – and never stop being grateful. Appreciate what you have, love well, and allow yourself to be loved.
No buildings have been named after her, and no monuments erected in her honor. She did have the opportunity to know and love every friend, as well as her family; she made every occasion something to remember; Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Halloween (she took special pleasure in scaring the bejeebies out of little kids!) – and in that she always seemed satisfied.
If you look, you will see her in the evening sunset (not the sunrise – she would still be sleeping!), or the first cool breeze of fall, or among those amazing little hummingbirds she loved so much.
Of course, that will probably comfort some while antagonizing others, but that, too, is something she took great pleasure in.
She would say this…please don’t cry because I am gone, instead be happy that I was here. Today I am in heaven with Jesus –happier than ever, and dancing gracefully (probably in my birthday suit).
A funeral service for Roberta will be held on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019 at Fox Funeral Home at 2 p.m. A visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Interment will follow in Boone Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Arrangements are entrusted to Fox Funeral Home.
PAID