Roberta Mae Bigley

Roberta Mae Bigley, of Leon, Iowa, passed away at the age of 94 years at Clearview Home, Mt. Ayr, Iowa, on April 16, 2023. She was born outside of Van Wert, Iowa, on October 30, 1928, living in the Van Wert area as a child. She moved to Leon to attend high school, living with another family and serving as a nanny for her room and board.

Roberta was married to Kenneth D. “Mike” Bigley from August 29, 1950, until his passing in 1985. She loved her little dogs, to put in a big garden, sewing and knitting, and including teaching classes in using a microwave in the early days of its use in the home and using a knitting machine.

Roberta was a devoted community member, attending Loving Chapel United Methodist Church, being involved in Chapter W of PEO, and participating in numerous local events over the years. She worked in the office of Iowa Southern Utilities (ISU), and knew virtually everyone in the local area from that role.

Roberta will be remembered as a happy, kind, generous woman throughout her life, who was committed to her community. During the progression of her Alzheimer’s disease, she was lovingly cared for by Dwight and Judy Nernes and, later, at Clearview Home in Mt. Ayr, Iowa. Roberta is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at Loving Chapel United Methodist Church, 201 West 1st Street, Leon, IA, at 1:30 PM, on Sunday, May 7, 2023, with committal following the service at Leon Cemetery. Friends and family are then invited to return to the church to share stories, memories, desserts and coffee.

Memorial donations may be made to Loving Chapel United Methodist Church.