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LAKIN, Roberta Maxine (Harned) 1918-2011

LAKIN, HARNED, LAURIE, JOHNSON, BROOKE, WEBBER, SALYERS, HIRTH

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 9/11/2011 at 13:59:49

[Waterloo Courier, Wednesday, July 6, 2011]

Roberta Maxine (Harned) Lakin, 92, passed away on July 3, 2011, in her apartment at Belvedere Commons, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., surrounded by her family's love. Roberta was born the first of six children to Rose and Ollis Harned in Waterloo on Dec. 10, 1918.

She has finally been reunited with her son, John, a Marine Lieutenant, who lost his life in 1969 serving his country; her beloved husband of 65 years, John W. Lakin; her parents, Ollis and Rose Harned; her sister, Jackie Laurie; and brother-in-law, DeWayne Johnson.

She is survived by her children, Robert C. Lakin (Karen), Judy Brooke (Randy) and Virginia Webber (John); her grandchildren, Sara Salyers (Wayne), John R. Lakin, Jim Lakin, Justin Brooke and Melissa Webber; her great-grandson, Nathan Salyers; her brothers and sisters, Lynn Harned (Marge), Jane Harned Hirth (Marvin), Darlene Harned Johnson and Hayes Harned (Luann); and brother-in-law, Dave Laurie.

Roberta was a strong and independent woman; traits which served her well as a military wife and mother. During World War II she and John tried twice to get married before he was deployed overseas, but circumstances prevailed. After he completed Officers' Candidate School, she took a train alone from Iowa to Florida to finally marry the love of her life on July 21, 1943. During her husband's trips away from family as he served his country in the USAF, Roberta kept the home fires burning and was the constant in her children's lives, providing them with a loving and stable home.

Putting others first was an important part of Roberta's life. She served her church as a deacon and elder, as well as teaching Bible School. When a statewide teacher walkout in 1967 threatened to close local schools, she volunteered as an elementary school teacher for the duration. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother for both of her sons. Roberta opened her heart to those around her and was always available to support friends and family in need. Although she had four children of her own, she "adopted" many of her children's friends and neighborhood children.

Raising her four children with Christian values was a priority in her life. She always made sure her family had a sit-down breakfast and dinner everyday. Many great memories were made at the kitchen and dining room tables. Her children were always made to feel special. All of these bonding experiences are now part of her children's family traditions.

The Lakin home was always filled with laughter and love. Roberta supported the talents, skills, goals and dreams of her children and grandchildren, whether sports, spelling bees, chess or career choices. In her younger days, she played the violin, and her musical talent has been passed down to several of her children and grandchildren.

Though she had a very busy life, Roberta did have hobbies she enjoyed. While her husband was in Vietnam for a year, she took up ceramics and spent a year making two hand-painted nativity sets, one of which is displayed every year in the First Presbyterian Church. Her interests included reading, playing bridge, Scrabble, working crossword puzzles and Sudoku.

After all the kids were "out of the nest" she and John spent much of the next 25 years traveling around the United States and the world. Active members of the Golden Falcons, John and Roberta put many miles on several motor homes. Throughout their travels, they made many friends and cemented longtime friendships.

Roberta's greatest legacy was providing her children "The Perfect Childhood."

Thank you, Mom, for the wonderful memories we will forever hold in our hearts: Easter cakes, the Christmas and birthday traditions, and taking us to the beach ending with a stop at the A&W for root beer in frosted mugs. Thanks for giving us rules and routines that gave us a sense of security, and for always making us feel loved and cherished. Your grandchildren adore you because you made them feel the same way. Our home was always open to our friends and a place we always wanted to be - whether living on Eglin AFB in Fort Walton, Chicago, St. Petersburg - home was where you were. Now that you've gone to your eternal home, we will forever carry you in our hearts until we see you again.

The family thanks the staff and volunteers of Covenant Hospice for their care and support during her final days. They truly are God's special angels.

Family will receive friends for a visitation on Thursday, July 7, at 9 to 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church, 134 Southwest Beal Parkway, Fort Walton Beach. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, followed immediately by a reception for family and friends. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola Naval Air Station.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Presbyterian "Saturday Feed the Hungry" Ministry, 134 Southwest Beal Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.


 

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