February 19, 1952 - January 28, 2022
In the early hours of January 28, 2022, Roberta “Bert” Gwynn Rife passed away at Doctors Hospital of Manteca in Manteca CA. She was 69 years old.
A lifelong resident of California, Roberta was born in Modesto on February 19, 1952 to Agnes Joy Wright and Donald E. Wright. Roberta is survived by her daughter, Melissa Katzakian, her son Joel Gonzales; her son-in-law, Charles Katzakian; her grandchildren, Carissa Katzakian and Kyle Katzakian; sisters Donna McElroy and Sharon Rodgers; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents; sister Rita Taylor; and brothers Mike Wright and Kenneth Wright.
In her early years, she worked as a hairdresser, but later kept that as a side talent for close family. She was close to retirement from ExtraSpace Storage, where she will be remembered by her customer service skills and close friendships with colleagues. Roberta can best be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved life’s simple pleasures.
At the family’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service.
Instead, they ask that friends and loved ones embrace the memory of Roberta when you hear a Willie Nelson or Bob Marley song, watch any episode of CSI, order Jamba Juice (specifically Dream Machine), play a slot machine, attend a concert or musical, watch a sunset with a good cup of coffee, enjoy the sounds/sights/smell of the beach and ocean, tend to your houseplants, spend an afternoon thrift-shopping – all things that Roberta loved.
She will be missed more than words can convey.