Roberta Anne Vandal

Roberta Anne Vandal, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, entered into eternal life with her savior Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Roberta was 83 years old.

Roberta was preceded in death by 9 days from the love of her life, George Vandal. Roberta loved to tell everyone the story of how they met at Virginia Beach in August of 1958. Roberta was on a family vacation and George, who was serving in the Navy, had the day off. He walked up to her with a simple wave and said, “Hello”. He asked her on a date. She said yes. On their first date he told her he loved her and on their third date, he asked her to marry him and she said yes. George hitchhiked every weekend to Roberta’s hometown of Norwood, Ohio to see her. On June 20th, 2024, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Their love story brought about three daughters, who Roberta affectionately called, “My girls.” She is survived by; Darlene (Tom) Lewis, Doreen (Jon) Ogden and Debbra Poff. Her daughters grew up with modest means but never knew it. Roberta could stretch a dollar into two and was willing to do without when her girls needed something. Roberta’s family grew and she is also survived by 8 grandchildren. Jessica (Chad) Druffel, Olivia Lewis, Samuel Lewis, Ryan (Pamela) Ogden, Daniel (Anna) Ogden, Emily (Jonathan) Lange, Elise (Leo) Martini, Nicole (Jonathan) Prows. She is also survived by 9 great grandchildren, Xavier, Isabel, Madelyn & Natalie Druffel; Preston Ogden; Elias Ogden; Addison, Judah & Simon Lange.

Roberta’s dog, Gracie, meant the world to her. She was named Gracie as an acknowledgment to God for his Grace over George after surviving leukemia twice.

Roberta worked as an administrative assistant, Weight Watchers leader, trainer and speaker, sold land parcels for Hidden Valley Lake in Indiana, decorator, and was co-owner and bookkeeper for the business that her and George started in 1973 called the J&R Tool & Die Company. She retired in 2008. Most importantly, Roberta would say that her most significant roles would be that of wife, mom, grandma and great grandma.

Roberta’s hobbies included walking, skiing, boating, traveling, reading, and dune buggying. Roberta’s favorite hobby was one that both her and George did together, riding their Gold Wing motorcycle. Roberta was passionate about riding and would say, “there is no better feeling than being on a bike and to experience the world on the open road.” Riding was in her blood. She was an active member in the Gold Wing Road Riders Association in Chapter E-2 where Roberta and George are lifetime members. George and Roberta rode for 30 years and tracked just over 200,000 miles while traveling through 28 states with zero accidents.

Roberta was a member at North Cincinnati Community Church for over 20 years. She was actively involved in the women’s Bible studies where God used her past experiences and God-given wisdom to encourage others in their lives. Her uncanny way of understanding more complex problems and breaking them down to a few words were affectionately referred to as, “Roberta-isms”. On many occasions, she would have other women comment to her how much what she shared had helped them. Roberta’s expression of faith in Christ was one of her best qualities. Even through an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, she expressed her desire to just “go and sit at the feet of Jesus.”

Roberta will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends. She would want us to take comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her loving husband, George, and her savior Jesus Christ.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at North Cincinnati Community Church on Tuesday July 16 at 10:30am. Please join the family at the church for a luncheon immediately following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Alzheimer's Association. Thank you. 

If you are unable to make it to the services for Roberta, please join the family via Livestream at the link below:

https://northcincinnaticommunity.subspla.sh/gz43vgs