Roberta Birk

Roberta Lee Rafferty Birk, born into this world June 12, 1940, to parents Mary Mollenhour and Robert Rafferty Sr., was born into an eternal heavenly life Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015.

She was affectionately known as Bert to her friends and family. Bert attended Immaculate Conception School. She was a 1958 graduate of Jackson High School, where she was a cheerleader, Carnival Queen and Silver Arrow Queen. She then attended Southeast Missouri State University. She worked at Ann's Dress Shop in Jackson during her high-school years. years later, she was a receptionist/bookkeeper for her brother's business, Pest Free.

After many years of staying home to provide her children with a loving home environment before sending them off to school, she became a bus driver for the Jackson School District and later worked as a cook in the school cafeteria.

As her children all began leaving the nest, she began yet another career of care giving, but this time in pastoral care at Southeast Hospital. When she no longer was able to do that, she quickly learned the craft of piecing quilts. It gave her great joy to give her quilts as gifts to her children, grandchildren and numerous other friends and family members.

She is survived by a loving husband of 55 years, Bill Birk, who cared for her diligently through her 16 years of struggling with Parkinson's disease; five loving sons, Andy (Glenna), Rob (Debbie), Tony, Billy and Tyler (Krista); one daughter, Nancy (Gary) Seyer; 10 grandchildren, Jamie (Landon) Bollinger, Leslie Birk, Andy Jay Birk, Chelsea (Garrett) Patterson, Taylor, Bailey Jo, Lilly, Tristan, Paisley and Chandler Seyer; two great-grandchildren, Carson and Jaxson; two sisters, Sue (Don) Ludwig and Ann (Joe) Donnelly; a brother, Bob (Susie) Rafferty Jr.; a sister-in-law, Cherry Sue Birk; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded into eternal life by her parents; an infant brother; and a brother-in-law, Joe Birk.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson. Parish prayers will begin at 7 p.m., followed by the rosary.

Funeral Mass will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, with Monsignor Edward M. Eftink, Ph.D., officiating. Entombment will follow immediately at Cape County Memorial Park and Mausoleum.

Memorial donations may be given to the Cross Catholic Outreach, P.O. Box 273908, Boca Raton, FL 33427-3908.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home-Jackson is in charge of arrangements.