Roberta Irene Witherspoon

Roberta Irene Ehlenfeld Witherspoon, age 87, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, with her daughter Crystal by her side.

Roberta was born on June 26, 1938, in Stateline, IN in Warren County, to Isabelle I. (Phillips) Price and Robert C. Ehlenfeld. She was raised in Bismarck, Illinois, where she attended Bismarck Schools and was active in music and community activities. Roberta earned numerous awards for choir and band, where she played baritone saxophone, and was also recognized for her involvement in 4-H.

Roberta began her working career in Danville, Illinois, at Eisner Food Stores on Main Street and Vermilion Street as a Cashier and advancing to Service Manager. As those stores closed, Jewel Osco, on Fairchild Street, became the new brand, where she, also, served as Service Manager.

In 1986, Roberta relocated to Los Angeles, California. She worked for The Broadway department store for several years before beginning a long and dedicated career in 1988 within the administrative offices serving the cities of Malibu and Santa Monica School Districts. Through hard work, dedication and determination she advanced to the position of senior bookkeeper and accountant, a role she held until her retirement in 2015.

Roberta valued lifelong learning and continued her education at Los Angeles Pierce College in Woodland Hills, California. She enjoyed taking several classes in Photography and, also, learned to develop her own photographs. She completed extensive coursework in Accounting to further advance her career with the school districts in Malibu and Santa Monica.

After retiring, Roberta moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma, where she enjoyed her years of retirement.

She is preceded in death by her infant daughter, Glenda Marie Witherspoon; her son-in-law Kenneth Smith; her former husband, William C. Witherspoon, Sr.; and her brothers-in-law, James Mann and Harold Heidrick.

Roberta is survived by her children, Linda Carol Witherspoon Smith; Crystal Witherspoon Lynn; William C. Witherspoon, Jr. (Barbara); and Melissa K. Witherspoon. She is also survived by her sisters, Pat A. Mann and Carol L. Heidrick.

She leaves behind many loving grandchildren: Erik M. Smith (Jessica), Kwame N. Akosah (Nicole), McKenna L. Smith Hughes (Tyler), Madison L. Witherspoon (fiance' Ben Wright), Leslie N. Witherspoon-White (Connor), and Elissa K. Witherspoon. She was, also, blessed with great-grandchildren: Alivea D. Lucei, Emberlee R. Smith, Garrett R. W. Smith, Brecken C. Hughes, and Felix Akosah-He.

Roberta will be remembered for her quiet strength, steadfast dedication, and deep love for her family. Her life was marked by hard work, resilience and a commitment to those she loved. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

A Graveside Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Gundy Cemetery in Bismarck, IL. Roberta will be laid to rest beside her infant daughter, Glenda Marie. Miles Clark will officiate. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834 is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made in Roberta's honor to Crossroads Christian Church, 3613 N Vermilion St, Danville, IL 61832

The family invites you to share memories, photos, and messages of comfort on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .