Roberta Virginia Simpson, age 88, of Columbus, KS, passed away May 6, 2019.

Roberta was born May 20, 1930, to Elmer Roscoe and Mildred Fast Zwahlen, in Sherman City, KS. She lived in the area most of her life.

In 1948 Roberta graduated from Columbus High School, and would later marry William J. Simpson in Arkansas. He preceded her in death August 19, 1987.

She was a homemaker who loved taking meals to the sick and bereaved, and was famous for her homemade chicken and noodles. Playing cards, her flowers, and spending time with her family and grandkids were her favorite things to do. She was a great neighbor and friend.

Surviving Roberta are three sons, William Gregg Simpson (wife Nancy), of Grove, OK, Ronald Ray Simpson (wife Mary Jane), of Columbus, and Donald Jay Simpson (wife Pat), of Joplin, MO; her sweetheart, Lee Mercer, of Columbus; six grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Ray Zwahlen.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home, of Columbus, and will be held Monday at The First Christian Church of Columbus, at 11 a.m., Monday, May 13. John Warring will officiate. Preceding the funeral, the family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m., also at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to either "Stick it to Diabetes" (in care of Mercy Health Foundation), or Ascent Recovery, in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made to the family at derfeltfuneralhomes.com.