Early in the evening of June 10, 2023, Roberta Kay Stipcich passed away peacefully and swiftly at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana after a brief illness. Mom enjoyed the comforts of being at home until three days prior and was afforded the opportunity to be joined by all of her children and local, and some visiting, grandchildren during her hospitalization.
Roberta Kay Mitchell Stipcich was born May 5, 1935 in Hutchinson, Kansas to Roy Edwin and Emma Frances Mitchell. She was the second of three children: born between her siblings Barbara Lee Mitchell Jardine and Roy Edwin Mitchell, Jr.
Mom attended grade school both in Wichita, Kansas and Missoula, Montana and graduated from Missoula County High School in 1953. After high school graduation she worked in the business office of the University of Montana and in September 1953 she accepted a job with the State of Montana in Helena, where she was employed by the Merit System Office and the Employment Security Division which, at that time was part of the Unemployment Compensation Commission.
In October of 1953 she met Joseph A. Stipcich and they were married October 1, 1955. The couple resided in East Helena, Montana where they built their home and raised their four children and numerous dogs.
She was employed for a short time by ASARCO and then went to work for the Department of Transportation where she was employed for 25 years. Upon leaving the Highway Department, she worked as the Secretary for the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the Legislature for one session and then was employed by Garrity, Keegan and Brown, a local law firm, for 19 years as a legal secretary.
She enjoyed traveling, reading a good romance novel, baseball games, and a good meal at a fine restaurant. But her true passions in life were her grandchildren and great grandchildren, music and, working counted cross stitch pictures. Her children and grandchildren are the lucky and proud recipients of many of her beautiful creations and she only displayed one of her own in her home. In her early 80s she became intrigued by the beauty of Swedish weaving and was proud as punch when she accomplished that feat. She also learned how to run a computer. She loved playing games on her computer and cell phone and it never cost her a cent because she played against her best opponent – herself.
Mom lost her husband of 60 years, Joe, in 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Frances Mitchell; sister, Barbara L. Jardine and her husband, Bill Jardine, of Miles City; and brother Roy E. Mitchell Jr. of Pueblo West, Colorado. She is survived by her four children, James A. Stipcich (Jim) and his wife, Peggy; Ronald L. Stipcich (Ron)and his wife, Deb; Leslie J. Darfler and her husband, Jim, of the greater Helena area, and Douglas A. Stipcich(Doug) and his wife, Debbie Jenkins of Great Falls. She is also survived by her precious six grandchildren, Joshua Stipcich and his wife, Tami, of San Marcos, California, Kate Votaw and her husband, Mike, of St. Louis, Matt Darfler and his wife, Lindsey; Talor LeBrun and her husband, Justin; Brooke Darfler, all of the greater Helena area and Spencer Jenkins and his wife, Alex of Bozeman. She is also survived by her five dear great grandchildren, Liam and Mila Stipcich of San Marcos, California; Morgan Darfler and Evan and Carter LeBrun of the greater Helena area and her awesome sister-in-law Jane Mitchell, of Pueblo West, Colorado as well as many nieces and nephews and many greatly appreciated neighbors and good friends.
The family would like to thank all the doctors, physicians’ assistants, nurses and aides who cared for Mom during her brief stay at St. Peter’s Hospital. Your professionalism, expertise, compassion and caring is very appreciated.
Friends and family are invited to a viewing to be held at 4:00-6:00 pm on June 25th with a celebration of Roberta’s life (COL) to be held at 11:00 am on June 26th (both at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home located at 3750 North Montana Avenue in Helena, MT- COL to be livestreamed on the funeral home website. A reception will follow in the funeral home reception room. A private family interment will be held on June 27th at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison where her cremated remains will be placed with her husband Joe.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the East Helena Historical Society; the Friends of the East Helena Library; the Lewis and Clark Humane Society or the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday June 25, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday June 26, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Monday June 26, 2023
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday June 25, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday June 26, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Monday June 26, 2023
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Tom Keegan says
Berta was the BEST! I will always remember our many years of working together fondly. She will be missed.
Mike Garrity says
I always enjoyed talking to Roberta when I dropped by to see my Dad.
Sheila Garrity says
Your mom was so wonderful! Her sense of humor was legendary and I was impressed that she often got one over on my dad (Don Garrity).
May her memories be a blessing.
Glen J Cuchine says
Stipcich family, I grew up only a couple block away from Joe and Roberta and always enjoy knowing them. I waited on your mom, grandma often at Willis’ E.H. IGA Store in the 1960s. Always, always that wonderful smile and warm greeting. May your many wonderful memories be a constant reminder of her life and love. My best to you all.
Jo and Paul Bryson says
Bertie was an incredible woman. We met at the Dept of Highways one summer during collage break. I just loved her! Lifting the family members up in prayers!!
Maness says
We are so sorry for your loss. Roberta was a lovely lady and a good friend to Great Grandma. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Troy and Lynn Maness
Dorothy Millsop says
I worked and visited often with Roberta when she worked in the law office and I worked in the legal department of FWP. I often saw her for a short visit at Heritage Food Store. She was delightful! Prayers for the familyl
AMY BUDKE says
Dearest Stipcich Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Roberta was such a bright light. My first job other than babysitting and fast food was at the law firm, filing….Roberta made the job so much fun and she had me laughing all of the time. What a truly remarkable woman. Deep peace to each of you.
Kelly Harris says
Incredibly sorry for your loss. One of East Helena finest people. The city as a whole will be less without her.
Jay Reardon says
To the Stipich family, so sorry to hear of Roberta’s passing. I always enjoyed our visits when we saw each other. She always had a kind word.
Frank Rowan says
Jim, please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. Karen and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Colleen Vetsch Stephenson says
Jim, Ron, Leslie, & Doug,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Praying that those who express caring thoughts bring some comfort. Our mom’s are playing pinochle with the angels.
Colleen Reardon Marks says
I was fortunate to have Roberta as my mentor at my first job in the legal division at the Highway Department. We had the privilege of having her sing at our wedding. I had no idea she could sing. She did a beautiful job and I’ll always remember her kindness. I’m so sorry for your loss
Curtis Stanghill says
Stipcich family,
So very sorry for your loss, prayers for you and the Family.
Kathleen Hunthausen says
It was just this spring when I stopped and spoke with your Mom about her beautiful yard, especially her peonies. She was a beautiful, calming presence on West Groschell St, always with a smile and kind word. I will miss seeing her. She is among so many East Helena matriarchs who touched the lives of those of us who grew up here. All of the Hunthausen Family send our condolences.
Mary Brydich says
Jim and Family – I am so sorry to see Roberta’s passing. I remember her and Joe well over the years and their kindness. Praying for you at this difficult time.
Scott St. Clair says
Condolences to the entire Stipcich family. Having worked on the crew that maintained Joe’s crane at the plant we had many conversations around the barrel stove. I so enjoyed his fishing and hunting stories. Once the plant shut down I was recruited to do their lawn care, usually leading to a conversation with Joe or Roberts, sometimes with both resulting in me having to referee. I always respected Roberta for her knowledge and kindness in our conversations. One definitely knew where you stood with her, she didn’t hold much back. Not too long ago we discussed the dwindling of the old guard East Helenan’s. She will definitely be missed by those who knew her. As I write this I think about Joe, Joe Pistelak, and Mike Tursich sitting on Tursichs step discussing the ongoing of the world, those were some interesting conversations. East Helena is changing but I will always remember the old Gaurd. Roberta Rest In Peace My Friend. Scott St. Clair
Joe Verbanac says
Sincere condolences to the entire Stipcich family in your loss. Great people for sure. Cherish the many memories and never let them fade away. Take care.
Mary Lou Potts says
So sorry to hear of your loss; O met Roberta through a mutual friend & always enjoyed knowing her – Heritage Foods, Walmart or some other place – always a smile & fun conversation. Mary Lou
Joanne Romasko says
Jim, Ron, Leslie and Doug, my deepest sympathy to you all. Thank you so much for life streaming the service for Roberta. I feel like I got to say good bye to my dear friend. You gave her a great send off!