Roberta Lee Winters-Burns
July 22, 1961 – September 16, 2011
Roberta Winters-Burns, beloved wife and mother, died on September 16th of ovarian cancer.
Roberta was born July 22nd, 1961, in Great Falls, Montana to Robert and Loretta Winters. She attended school in Great Falls, graduating from Charles Russell High School in 1979. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communications and Master of Science degree in Experimental Psychology, from Montana State University. She worked for many years as a talented psychotherapist and clinical services director, specializing in the treatment of sexually abused and traumatized children.
Roberta married Gregory Burns in June of 1990. Roberta and Greg shared many years of travel, work, and schooling before settling in Helena. Austin Gregory was born in 1994, followed by younger brother Michael Robert in 1997. Roberta put her professional career on hold and devoted her time and energy to raising her children, but in later years enjoyed working with her husband as a Neuropsychological Technician at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena.
Roberta was completely enthralled with her children, took tremendous pride in supporting their activities, and enthusiastically celebrated Austin and Michael’s many accomplishments. Her infectious enthusiasm for her children was unsurpassed; she poured her heart into their every minute, showering them with love and encouragement, and teaching by example how to face the world with intelligence, integrity, courage and love.
Roberta fought her battle with cancer with bravery and grace. Even on the most difficult days she shared humor and love with us all. Roberta departed this earth peacefully with her husband Greg by her side, and although she will be terribly missed, her light will live on in our hearts forever.
Survivors include her husband Dr. Gregory Burns of Helena, sons Austin (17) and Michael (13); mother Loretta Winters of Great Falls, sisters Cindy Peterson of Moses Lake Washington and Coni Thornburg of Saint Helena, California, and brother Mark Winters of Chicago. She also leaves six nieces and nephews: Lindsey, Troy, McKenzie, Reid, Peyton and Parker. She was preceded in death by her loving father, Robert Winters.
Visitation will begin at noon Sunday, September 25th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. The family will begin receiving friends at 6:00 p.m. with a Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 26th at the Cathedral of St. Helena. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the College Benefit Fund for Roberta’s two sons at Valley Bank, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Amanda Meier says
Roberta touch so many lives she will deeply missed! Roberta was an amazing woman, she always had a beautiful smile and positive attitude. She fought hard and I for one admire her for strength! Rest in peace sweet Roberta My prayers and thoughts go out to her family during this difficult time.
Azure Family says
Greg, Austin and Michael you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very saddened by this loss. When we saw you in Glacier, Roberta’s love for you all was so very very palpable, pure and strong. That love is an eternal and beautiful gift. Tom, Sam & Angela
Brett Berryman says
Loretta and family, please accept our deepest and heartfelt condolence on the loss of Roberta. I know she will be greatly missed by all. Brett, Tammy, Marissa, Brianna and Jayden Berryman
Carolyn Schultz says
Dear Greg,
My family and I moved to Boise unexpectedly in August, and I recently learned that Roberta died last fall. I am devastated.
Although I didn’t know her well, I’ll always remember the times I visited one-on-one with her: Once I saw her in Costco a few years ago. She had a scarf on her head, and told me about going through chemo. She was so upbeat about everything, which I couldn’t imagine, given what she was going through. I also visited with her once in the toy section at Walmart. I ended up telling her about (my) Michael’s learning disabilities, and she share with me that she, too, had struggled.
She was an amazing woman and touched so many lives. I want you to know how sad I am for you and your boys — she truly was (and still is, somewhere, I think) such a special person.
Take care,
Carolyn Schultz
Coni says
I love you my sister, I miss you so much. XO
Donna Owens (Sparks) says
Greg,
Please accept my deepest condolences. It seems it wasn’t so long ago we worked together in the building on Lamborn. This is where I met you and Roberta. It was always a pleasure working with you and even greater pleasure to know Roberta, such a kind and gentle spirit. My heart goes out to you, Austin and Michael. Roberta will be wrapped in many a prayer, including mine. I wish you peace Greg.
Donna
Eric Calderon says
Coni, our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time. Your sister was a brave person but was also lucky to have you as a sister.
Love,
Ericw
Jennifer Brown says
Greg and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you durining this difficult time. Roberta was such a strong person who always wore a smile and always so loving, caring, and supportive. She will be greatly missed by so many.
God bless.
Jenny Van Heel says
I am so sorry for your loss. Roberta was such a beautiful person inside and out. May the path of prayer be with you and your family. I will be sending thoughts and prayers your way. May God Bless your wonderful family. Jeff,Jenny and family
Jill, Scott, Travis, Dylan and Morgan Henry says
Greg, Austin, Michael and the rest of Roberta’s family….please know that we so loved Roberta and will always remember with fondness what a wonderful loving mom she was, and how her laughter brightened the dreariest day. Your devotion to Roberta certainly matches her devotion to all of you, family was surely most important to her. What a blessing her suffering is over and she is with her dad once again, and they are together fondly watching over all of you. Love and prayers.
Jim & DeAnn Visser says
again… what to say? We love you all, our hearts ache for your loss. Love is the gift she gave each of you and there is none greater.
Joe hrella says
Roberta lite uP any room she walked into.Being her stylist for 10 plus years we shared laughter and tears. Her greatest legacy will. Continue on,her sons Austin and Michael. These boys will carry on all the good from there mom. Gone not forgotten,missed but always loved. We Will miss you! Deepest Sympathy.
Joe Hrella
Judy Baker says
Oh, Roberta….I will remember you and always with a smile! Your sweet smile and gentle spirit were always such an inspiration to me. I will miss you but not forget you. Until we meet again…. Judy
Greg – I am so saddened for you your sons. It is my prayer that your lives will be calmed and comforted by knowing Roberta is still with you in spirit and in all the ways she helped shape your lives. My heart and prayers are with you. Judy
Kathleen Harrington says
Dear Greg, Austin and Michael,
I am very sorry that you and the world have lost a very special person. Her time was short but very well spent with her amazing family. She has left behind a wonderful legacy in you all.
Kim & Russ Pelo says
Greg and family,
Please know you are in our prayers. We are so very sorry to hear about Roberta. I remember when Austin was born and how she was so protective of her new bundle of joy. What an incredible Mom she was!!! We pray God will guide you and help you and your family through this difficult time and the times ahead.
Margaret Schaefer says
Dear Greg, Austin and Michael: We were terribly saddened to read about Roberta’s death.Know that we are thinking of you. You are in my prayers.
Margaret Aaron and Torrey Schaefer
Ray & Evelyn Visser says
So sorry to hear about Roberta. Life is so sad sometimes.
See you all on facebook where we can at least keep in touch.
Your cousin
Ray
Renee says
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sara Kuester says
Dear Greg, Austin, Michael, and family,
As Greg knows, I worked with Roberta over 20 years ago at Brigham City, Utah ISAT, where she counseled abused children. Roberta brought such joy to my life. I, too, can still hear her infectious laugh, and her humor and wisdom still cheer me. She was truly one of the best friends I ever had. As accomplished as she was in all aspects of her life, her greatest joy was in you, Greg, and in Austin and Michael. She was so proud of you. Her family was truly her greatest love. May the memory of her love and courage comfort you all. God bless you.
Shawna Pratt says
Greg, Austin & Michael,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as they have been for quite some time. Roberta will always have a special place in my heart…she was my friend and mentor and I will always hold close that infectious laugh of hers. I know her spirit, compassion and love of life will be carried on through you boys. I am blessed to have known her as are so many others whose lives she enriched. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Sue and Ashraf El-Hakeem says
Our prayers are with you and your family during this time of life.
We really sorry for your loss.
Sue and Ashraf El-Hakeem
Susan says
On the night before He died, Jesus said: Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in Me. In My Father`s house there are many dwelling places..If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to Myself, so that where I am you also will be…Peace I leave you; My peace I give you..Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14
Teresa Schlauch says
Greg, Austin, & Michael,
I am at a loss for words and so saddened by the news of Roberta. She was always so positive and supportive when ever I would talk with her. She was a beautiful person inside and outside. She will be truly missed by all. My prayers and thoughts will be with all of you and blessings for Roberta now that she is in the hands of God. My deepest sympathy, Teresa Schlauch
The Palagi's says
My heart goes out to all of the Burns’ family. Roberta was an amazing person. Every time I talked with her I felt her genuine love and uplifting spirit and I know that is carried on through her boys. Sending peaceful and healing prayers to everyone who is remembering Roberta, especially Greg, Austin, and Michael. Love, Jamie, Lakota, and Quinlan
Bennington Johnson says
My deepest regards to your family. I knew Roberta when she was a therapist at ISAT, in Brigham City. She was a great asset to my sister, and my family. It saddens me to know she left this earth early, with such talents. As I looked back on my life I had fond memories of her helping my family, through such tragedy. Even times my sister and I would day dream that we would reunite with Roberta and share memories, and discuss the who’s are where’s. Again my deepest sympathy….