Roberta Jean Phillips

Roberta J. Phillips, of Keller, TX, began her journey in her new life on February 27, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. with her children at her side. She was born on April 9, 1932 in Murphysboro, IL to Robert and Evelyn Phillips. She grew up in Southern Illinois and early on demonstrated a talent for singing and playing piano, performing at a variety of venues as an adolescent and adult. Roberta attended Southern Illinois University, where she was in the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, and graduated with a degree in English. Her first job after college was as an elementary school teacher. In 1956, Roberta married Frank Borgsmiller and they moved to Energy, IL. They had two children, Frank and Becky, and Roberta quit teaching to become a stay at home mother. Their life together included subsequent moves to Sidney, OH, Cleveland, OH, Orlando, FL and Tampa, FL. They divorced in 1975 and Roberta and the children moved back to Murphysboro, IL to live with her mother. In 1977, she married Joseph Lubera from Corpus Christi, TX, and they lived in Marion, IL, Murphysboro, IL, and Houston, TX. They divorced in 1982. Throughout her life Roberta was a bright and passionate person and never shied away from offering her opinion. She showed tremendous personal resiliency when after being out of the work force for over 15 years, she successfully found work in a weak economy to support her family after her divorce. Her meticulous nature could cause frustration at times, but you always knew whatever task Roberta took on was going to be done right. Later in life her love of animals led her to establish a pet sitting service, where she started out helping clients with their dogs and cats, but ended up with stories of adventures with exotic animals like bobcats and iguanas. In 2002, her daughter and son-in-law built Roberta a home on their property and she moved in with them. Roberta worked her pet service until her health no longer allowed. Roberta is survived by her son, Frank Borgsmiller and wife Evelyn of Fairview, TX, and her daughter Becky Russell and husband Steve of Keller, TX. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren; Roxana, Steven, Logan, Joshua, Lainey, Savannah, Kyle, Julie and Tonya. The family gives special thanks to Sue Egert who provided love and care to Roberta for the last five years. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2015, at Pettett Funeral Home with Father Gary Gummersheimer officiating and burial will be Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the local chapter of the SPCA.

Roberta Jean Phillips

April 9, 1932 - February 27, 2015