ROCKFORD — Roberta A. (Lingel) Calvert was born October 20, 1943 in Rockford, Illinois. She passed away peacefully on April 21,2025 in Swedish American Hospital surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of Robert and Gladys (Blevins) Lingel of Byron, Illinois. She joined two brothers, Jerry and Larry later welcoming her sister Loretta.
Roberta attended Whittaker School and graduated from Byron High School in 1961 laying a foundation for a life filled with learning and growth. Later she was a dedicated employee of Sems, DC Products and Illinois Tool Works where she held various positions including plant manager before retiring in 2006.
Roberta’s journey through life was marked by her dedication and love for her family, her work, her friends and church which was evident to all she met. Roberta met the love of her life, Randell (Randy) Calvert and they married on November 22nd, 1969. She had two children, Mark of Stillman Valley and Amy (Peter) Garrigues of Downers Grove and two grandchildren Ethan and Emily Garrigues. She is survived by her brother Larry (Linda) of Platteville Wisconsin, sister Loretta (Mike) Freedlund of Winnebago, sisters-in-law Shirlee Calvert, Cindy Calvert and Carla (Mark) Ticknor as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Roberta was preceded in death by her parents and brother Jerry.
Roberta was a woman of faith and compassion, holding her Christian beliefs close to her heart. She and Randy enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking and entertaining. She will be missed by all those who have crossed her path.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday April 26, 2025 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 3rd Ave., Rockford. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran’s food pantry and Serenity Hospice and Home, P.O. Box 462, Oregon Illinois 61061.
