Roberta Lavonne Talbert better known as Bobbye to family and friends passed away on January 22, 2026 in Payson, Utah. Bobbye was born in Danville, Illinois on August 20, 1934. She was the second of three daughters born to Gladys and Archie Stewart.
As a young lady, Bobbye attended college at Illinois State Normal University to become an elementary school teacher. Her great passion was to teach first grade students how to read. She was a teacher at heart and left a significant impact on her students throughout her 30-year teaching career. She taught in Illinois, Idaho, Missouri, Arkansas, and Minnesota.
Her desire and impact as a teacher reached far beyond the school classroom. As a mother of seven children, she was actively engaged in each of their lives. She taught her children important values so they could live active independent successful lives. She taught them the value of hard work. Most importantly she taught them to love life, stay optimistic, and not give up.
Her life was centered around her husband, Robert (Bob). They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2025.
Bobbye loved her Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. She and her husband, Bob, are converts to the Gospel. They were baptized on March 20, 1956. She served in many positions in the Church teaching and leading children, teenagers, and adults how to be faithful followers of Christ. Bob & Bobbye served 4 missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Bobbye is survived by her younger sister Sheila Florey, husband Bob, her children Mike (Lisa), Jim (Debbie), Jeff (Deborah), Charlie, Brad (Wendy), Susan (Richard) Rust, and Greg (Tanya). She is the grandmother of 35 grandchildren, and 65 great-grand children.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday January 28, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. in the Payson South Stake Center located at 711 S. 600 E., Payson, Utah. A visitation will be held from 10:30-11:30 in the same location prior to the funeral.
Burial will take place at a later date in the Onarga, Illinois Cemetery.
4 Condolences for Roberta Lavonne Talbert
Condolences(4)
Mike and Kathy Durst says
January 25, 2026 at 8:13 pmKathy and I are so sad to hear of Bobbye’s passing. Bob, to you and your beautiful family we offer our most sincere condolences.
One short story illustrates how we feel about Bobbye. A very long time ago, I served as bishop in the Russellville, Arkansas ward. Bobbye at the time was our Relief Society President and my wife Kathy served as one of her counselors. The stake gave us an assignment to prepare some type of a project of service to the local community of our choosing. Our Relief Society selected making some quilts, blankets and other items for a local women’s shelter in Russellville. President Talbert gave the lead role for the project to my wife Kathy to carry out. The stake said that there would be a meeting in just one month at the stake center in Jacksonville, Arkansas where the project could be displayed. So, our relief society set out to work, making about six full-sized quilts, several small blankets, and some stuffed animals. When the day came to show it all at the stake meeting, Bobbye and company brought everything to the stake center to put it all on display. When they got there, however, they found out that all that was required for the day to show was their plan of what they were going to do. That was the difference with Bobbye – she was then and I am sure even now on the other side a mover and a shaker. How we loved and appreciated her!
Bob says
January 29, 2026 at 12:49 amThank you and so good to hear from you and the choice remembrance. Bobbye was only sick since Octber and it all went very well weith it no pain. Her last few days were quiet and peaceful and surrounded by family.
Heather Barker says
January 26, 2026 at 3:54 amBobbye was one of the most stalwart, kind, energetic, and all around good humans I wIll ever know. I feel extremely fortunate to have lived near her for many years and to have been directly blessed by her goodness during that time. After moving a short distance away, she continued to radiate her wisdom and her kindness. She was a true friend. She will forever hold a special in my heart and will be dearly missed.
Liesl (Smith) Palmer says
January 28, 2026 at 4:39 pmOur parents learned so much from watching the Talberts. For instance: Don’t ground your teens from church activities, if anything they need more Jesus not less.
In tribute to a fiesty dynamic lady who shared her spunky spirit, fiery wit, optimism, testimony,joy faith & Christ like love with everyone. Deepest condolences, The Walter & Joyce Smith Families
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