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We just learned that Roberta passed away 5/1/24. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all her friends and family.
Roberta had posted this 'bio" on her profile page back in 2015 or so. Diane Kuhn Rager noticed it disappeared when we added Roberta's name to our Memorial Page. Diane happened to have a copy, so here are Roberta's bio and thoughts about her high school years:
I attended Rice University and graduated in 1979 with a Business Management degree. I initially worked in accounting but very soon transitioned to information systems. I met my husband, Gene Hair while working on my first software implementation. I moved to Allen, TX which is just north of Dallas when we married in 1983. We have two children together - Ben and Rachael; Gene also shares his children from a previous marriage, Sherry, Kerry and Erin, with me. Additionally, we have 4 grandsons, ages 23-34, and a granddaughter who is 3. I am active in my church and Gene and I own a 1938 Pontiac Business Coupe which we take regularly to car shows in the North Texas area.
I have worked for many companies in the 32 years I have lived in Allen and Lucas. Most of the companies I have worked for were in the telecommunications-industry or manufacturing-related and I was blessed to work on one of the first 20 manufacturing implementations of Oracle Applications. I have worked on Oracle Applications for 23+ years, including 11 years of consulting. In my consulting career, I have luckily been stationed mostly in the Dallas area but have also worked in Denver, Omaha, Wales in the UK and this last year in Houston. This latest project gave me a chance to spend one-on-one time with my parents and my siblings which was incredible! I even caught up with some friends from Lee!
My parents still live in the house where I grew up. My large family has continued to grow. I have 40 nieces and nephews and currently 15 great-nieces and great-nephews so it seems I am always in Houston for a wedding or baby shower or family events around the holidays.
A few years ago, Nita Vandiver Jackson, Diane Kuhn Rager and Tricia Fraser Reeder and I went on a trip to Nita's (and Bill's) home in Pennsylvania. It was great fun and I really enjoyed the time to catch up!
Looking back, I really appreciate all the great friends that I had in Major Works and Lieutenants! My life had changed so much after my mother passed away when I was 11 and getting to be with all those people for so many years really helped me. So thanks to all of you guys!
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Mari Luce (Demint)
My friend, Roberta. When I heard the news of Robertas illness, gosh that hit hard. You know, the Lieutenants had such a bonding between all us girls. I remember when someone picked a bunch of us up in the family Rolls at school and think it was her Dad. That's a day I won't forget. And she and Karen Collins spent the night for my birthday one year and that was fond memories. She was just my friend. And I do remember her smile. Absolutely remember that smile. She was kind and thoughtful. It was so good to see her at the Lieutenant luncheon and last reunion. She will be missed by many and me. My deepest sympathy to her family, Cathy and Cathy's husband who kept us informed of her illness. Rest in peace my friend Roberta.
Tim Rottet
Diane, what a "God Wink" that was for you to save & share Roberta's profile. I read it all twice and plan to read it again. I was such a wonderful testiment of her life, well lived, and obviously so treasured by her to recount it so seemingly... matter a fact. Hey, isn't that the way it is suppose to be?
Rest in peace Roberta until you can share with all of us again...
Larry Golemon
Roberta was precocious, talented and great fun.... her heart as big as Texas. We all shall miss her so much.
Robert Winter
I have lost a few folks in my life this past year. And some are real shockers and make you plause. Roberta's was like that. From over 55 years ago we rode the school bus together at Rogers and Lee ... though not close we knew each other. And then I got to know her better at Rice and subsequent Reunions. Though generally on the quieter side (at least relaitve to me) she always lite up the room and I always remembered our conversations. She touched my life and that was a blessing. Roberta you will be remembered ....
Karen Collins (Frantzen)
So very sorry to hear this.
We lost touch through these many (!) years but seeing her name brings back wonderful memories.
Definitely happy times in Lieutenants together, with lots of practices and performances - Roberta was always dependable and just a good friend. Mom and I called her "Birdie."
When I invited her to go on a Colorado ski trip with me and my family, love that her parents, despite their incredibly large brood, took my parents to dinner. They wanted to know them better before giving permission for Birdie to go for the week. Good parenting.
Funny true story. She was shocked when we told her we were usually in bed by 7:30pm or possibly even 8pm because we were tired from ALL day skiing. I distinctly recall the first night. Sharing a room, collapsed on our respective beds she groggily asked me what time it was. I told her about 6pm. She said, "I don't think I can make it to 7:30." And she didn't! She skipped dinner and went to bed for good. :) That night anyway. She got the hang of it, as did we all. Probably the latest we made it was 9pm.
It might've been during time at Rogers that her dad asked me to join Roberta in taking inventory at one of their family's auto parts stores (Fisher's Auto Parts) - maybe around Lake Livingston or somewhere? Don't recall exactly. But that was a fun weekend and we made a little spending money too. Important in those days.
Thanks Mari - had forgotten that about the b'day! :)
So VERY happy to hear from others that because of her faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, her family and we her school and Lieutenants family will see her again.
Major condolences to all.
Diane Kuhn (Rager)
Services for Roberta will be held in Houston and in Allen.
In Houston: May 16th, Thursday at 10:30 am. St. John Vianney, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079. Reception following services at church hall.
In Allen: June 3rd, Monday at 1 pm at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 N. Greenville Ave, Allen, TX 75002. Reception location TBD
I really can't begin to express the sadness I have with loosing my childhood friend, Roberta. I visited her a couple of times after she was diagnosed with brain tumors. At that time, she could still recall and laugh about our early exploits. Even as her cognitive abilities faded, Birdie still would come up with the occasional dry wit comment. And smile........
I'll miss her terribly.
Diane
Karen Collins (Frantzen)
Thank you for the information, Diane. Haven't found an obituary yet. Would you or anyone be able to share a link?
Diane Kuhn (Rager)
Roberta's Obituary Posted Online in Houston Chronicle May 12, 2024
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/houstonchronicle/name/roberta-fischer-hair-obituary?id=55085922
Kimberlee Bartek (Upton)
Thank you Diane. This is such sad news. Roberta was too young. May she rest in peace.
Julie Carlson (Davis)
I am so sad to see this news. Roberta was such a bright light. Just seeing her name brings back so many happy memories. Remembering Roberta and the wonderful times we all shared together so many years ago. Sending loving thoughts to her family and friends.