November 3, 2026

Linn County News

Published November 4, 2026

Roberta Marie Stark passed away on Oct. 28, 2026, in Bushong, Kan., where she lived with her son. She lived a beautiful and full 89 years.

Roberta was born on Oct. 11, 1937, in Fort Scott, Kan., to Floyd Franklin Pinkerton and Ruth Laurine (Stevanus) Pinkerton. She married the love of her life, Lyle Edward Stark, on June 16, 1957, in Mound City, Kan. They shared 47 wonderful years together and raised two beloved sons. Lyle preceded her in death on Sept. 24, 2004. Also, preceding her are her parents and an infant sister, Rovella.

Roberta grew up on a farm in Mantey, Kan. She attended Pleasant Valley School and attended church at Mantey Methodist Church. When she was in the eighth grade, her family moved to Mound City, where she graduated with the class of 1955.

Roberta was first and foremost a devoted wife and mother. She loved cooking and spending time in her kitchen, preparing favorite dishes for her family. Her strawberry pies, chocolate cakes, homemade noodles, and frozen punch will be dearly missed. Her grandchildren especially treasured the Easter Bunny cakes she made for them each year. Roberta also enjoyed crocheting, cheering on her favorite sports teams — the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and KU Jayhawks basketball — and spending time outdoors tending her garden and enjoying her beautiful flowers. Above all, she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After high school, Roberta worked at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City. She later worked as an operator for the Pleasanton and Craw-Kan Telephone Companies for 17 years, until they closed. She then worked at Baker’s Grocery Store, where customers were greeted by her familiar, smiling face. Roberta also served as a preschool teacher’s aide for the Pleasanton School District. After retiring, she continued giving back to her community by volunteering to deliver Meals on Wheels in Pleasanton.

Roberta was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church of Pleasanton and the United Methodist Women’s Group. Her church family was always near and dear to her heart.

In 2022, Roberta moved to Bushong, Kan., to live with her son David. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her love of baking, her beautiful gardens, her faithful service to her church and community, and the countless memories she created with those she loved. Her homemade creations, holiday traditions, warm smile, and loving presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Roberta is survived by her two sons, David (Ann) Stark of Bushong, Kan., and Duane (Tuesdee) Stark of Pleasanton, Kan. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Jessica (Phil) Coolbaugh of Mississauga, Canada, Chris (Shenoa) Stark of Lawrence, Kan., Destinee LeVota of Pleasanton, Kan., Taylor (Brian) Baker of Linn Valley, Kan., and Bailey (Dara) Stark of Pittsburg, Kan. Roberta leaves behind twelve great-grandchildren: Malachi, Alenah, Arianna, and Maleah Coolbaugh; Brittany Gilbert; Aylen and Coralie Stark; Rhett and Ridlee LeVota; Brian and Bradley Baker; and Fynn Stark. She also leaves behind one great-great-grandchild, Emersyn Gilbert.

Visitation will be held 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial will follow in the Pleasanton Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasanton United Methodist Women. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.