Born in 1926, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Mabel (Estelle) Wiles of New Albany. As a young woman, Roberta worked at Sylvania during the war effort and then later at Weldon’s Pajama Factory, Lopez. She and Donald were married in 1944, and spent 64 years together. In her 91 years, Roberta raised 5 children while helping to run the family farm. Don and Roberta traveled extensively for many years, touring the country in their RV. Roberta enjoyed flowers, gardening, fishing, cooking, picking berries and quilting. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Dushore for many years, then later in life, Redeemer Church in Dushore.
Roberta is survived by her children Erma (Jim) McShea of Conyngham, Cecil (Carol) Kneller of Canton, Rhonda (Jack) Kirkman of Dushore, and Gene (Linda) Kneller of Centre Hall; a sister, Inez Ling of Burlington; half siblings, Bradley Wiles of Overton, Julia Shea of Wyalusing, Susan Frystak of Wyalusing and Shelby Napoli of Wyalusing, as well as 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Kneller in 2008, her son William in 1974, and her brother Carlton Wiles in 1944.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 3, at McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter Street, Dushore, with Pastor Ron Dyer and former Pastor Robert Martin officiating. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, New Albany.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Roberta’s name to the American Cancer Society at www.donate.cancer.org, or to Redeemer Church, P.O. Box 284, Dushore, PA 18614.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mccartythomas.com