Roberta Harvey

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Roberta Harvey, 93, of Miller, passed away Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at her daughter's home in Miller.

Funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the First Presbyterian Church, Miller with Rev. Dr. Brian Jones officiating. Burial followed at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller. A walk-through visitation was held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Friday, November 13, 2020 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.

Roberta was born September 16, 1927 to Lyle Eugene and Bernice Lois (Templeton) Morrison in Spring Lake Township at their farm. She was the fifth child after her brother, Vere, and her sisters, Lucille, Ruth and Helen.  Later, she become a big sister to Lois Jean and Carolyn. 

Music was a big part of Roberta’s life. She grew up on the dance floor listening to her father playing drums with the Max Hargens band. She inherited her father’s musical talent; she took piano lessons from her aunt Sib Templeton; could play by ear and was a natural talent. She loved to sing and harmonize.

Roberta grew up on the Morrison homestead. She attended McNeil school in Rose Hill township and Prairie View School, Spring Lake Township.

Roberta attended Miller High School and graduated 1946. She was active in chorus, plays and playing piano for swing band. She attended General Beadle College in Madison to obtain her teaching certificate. She subsequently taught at the Schimke school in Jerauld County and the Keck School in Hand County.

Roberta met the love of her life, William (Bill) Harvey, and they were married in May of 1948 at the Morrison home.

Roberta was a very active community member belonging to the Spring Lake ladies club, and Spring Lake Grange. She served on the election board for Spring Lake.  She was also a member of TOPS and KOPS for 22 years. Roberta was a fun loving woman who enjoyed dancing, playing cards, embroidery, baking, and coffee with family and friends.

Roberta was so proud of living on the same Morrision farm her family had for generations. None the less, she adjusted quickly to town life in 1994.  She had been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1951 and was christened on September 25, 1994. Above all, Roberta loved the time she spent with family and considered all of them her biggest blessing. 

She is survived by her children: Donna Hansen, Piedmont;  Jerry (Marsha) Harvey, Whitewood; Merle (Teresa) Harvey; and Nancy (Loren) Major; daughter-in-law, Kathy Harvey, all of Miller; grandchildren: Rachel (Dominic) Barbaruolo; Sean, Ryan and Darin Harvey, Nathan (Heather), Brandon (Ashley) and Andrew (Kristine) Harvey; Michelle Harvey, Lisa (Terry) Bittner, Dustin (Haley) Harvey; Derek (Cindy) Major; Beckah (Troy) Major, Adam (Stephanie) Major;  20 great grandchildren; sister, Carolyn (Walter) Gutzmer; honorary family: Barb and Pat Mahoney, Michelle and Nikki and their families, and many nieces and nephews. 

Roberta was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; son Neil, son-in-law Lonnie Hansen; and 5 siblings.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Roberta’s arrangements.