Roberta Niebergall 06/06/1922 - 07/18/2025

As the softness of dawn lit the eastern sky on July 18, 2025, Heaven received a new angel. Roberta M.B. Niebergall gained her wings peacefully in her home, with the hearts of all of her loved ones accompanying her in her transition.

Roberta was welcomed into this world by William and Jessie Bell of Kirkland, IL on June 6, 1922. She began her insatiable quest for knowledge in a one-room schoolhouse, and she graduated from Sycamore High School in the Class of 1940. Roberta was one of the last surviving classmates. Her desire to become a flight attendant required that she enroll in nurse's training, and she attended West Suburban Hospital School of Nursing in Oak Park, IL.

Roberta became known for her extraordinary nursing skills with skinned knees, sore throats and broken hearts. However, she never finished her formal nurse's training because her heart led her in a different direction. She eloped with her high school sweetheart, Ross Niebergall on October 22, 1941, and they wed in the Methodist Church of St. Louis MO. They shared a hamburger and chocolate shake that night, and the details of that elopement would become a favorite love story to be enjoyed by their family through the years. Roberta gave birth to her son Barrie, seven years later. She then blessed Barrie with his long-awaited little sisters: Julie, Marna and Angela.

When Ross was shipped overseas in WWII, Roberta took on an integral role in the war effort here at home, employed by Ideal Industries in Sycamore. She wrote letters every night to Ross, many of which she kept lovingly tucked away for her children to read at a later date. They have always believed it was Roberta's fervent nightly prayers that brought their father safely home from active duty.

Roberta was an active member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Genoa, IL, supporting her church up until her passing. She taught Sunday School and Bible School, and her faith was an inspiration to many. Roberta devoted 20 years of her life to The Girl Scouts of America, the organization through which she made many of her lifelong friends. When her children were grown, she enjoyed employment at The National Bank and Trust Company of Sycamore for ten years.

Together with Ross, Roberta took up snow-skiing at 50 years old. They loved road trips, and camping with their family in a pop-up camper. They visited many national parks and nearly every state, admiring the diverse, richness of our beautiful nation.

Roberta had a voracious appetite for reading and often vacuumed the carpets with a book in one hand and a baby balanced on her hip. During the last five years she had read over 800 books.

Caring for her family was her true passion in life; watching her children, her grand-children and their families grow and become active participants in their own lives. Roberta was often asked her secrets for a long life, to which she replied, "faith, family and treasured friendships have carried me through this wonderful life." She was grateful for every new day.

Roberta is survived by her three daughters: Julie (Dan) Schuelke of Tomahawk, WI; Marna (Chacho) Niebergall de Rojas of Barrington, IL; Angela (Larry) Euhus of DeKalb, IL; four grandchildren: Shane Niebergall of Highlands Ranch, CO; David (Emily) Hamilton of Excelsior, MN; Madilin (Jay) Bodine of Sycamore, IL; Baleigh Euhus of San Francisco, CA. In addition, Roberta has six great-grandchildren: Colin and Kate Niebergall, Mia and Thomas Hamilton, and Baylor and Callie Bodine, and many fun-loving nieces and nephews. Roberta was looking forward to being reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband Ross, her son, Barrie, and her son-in-law, "Chacho".

A Memorial service will be held at The Faith United Methodist Church in Genoa, IL at 10:30am on October 25, followed by a Celebration of Life at a venue to be announced at a later date. Contributions can be made in Roberta's memory to The Faith United Methodist Church of Genoa, IL, The Girl Scouts of America, or Transitions Care of Rockford, IL. Roberta will be together with Ross at Arlington National Cemetery.

Roberta's daughters would like to extend their deep appreciation to Dr. Dhaval Thakker, Holly Carlson, and to members of the Transitions Care Hospice Team, especially Megan, Alyssa, Justin and Lauren. Thay are also grateful to the many other compassionate caregivers who provided care and the friends and family who visited. All provided great comfort to Roberta and her family.

Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.