Roberta “Robie” Mae Harries, age 79, of WaKeeney, KS, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2020.
Robie was born in Hill City, KS on June 16, 1940. She graduated from Central High School in Salina, KS and continued on to receive a Master’s degree in psychology from Marymount College, Salina. She also served in the United States Army and National Guard, she was a substance abuse counselor, legal secretary, and store detective for several stores in Salina. She was also part owner of Always Christmas in WaKeeney. Robie spent countless hours working in her yard and enjoying nature, interior decorating, and anything Christmas. Her strongest love was loving her husband, her daughters and her grandchildren. She also had a strong faith and love of Jesus Christ.
Robie is survived by her husband Jim; daughters Tammy Marshall Viar, Wendy Marshall Persinger (David) and Teressa Williams (Don) all of WaKeeney; grandchildren Jennifer Dechant of Hays, KS, Amy Tonthat (Hac) of Waco, TX, Amerie Cavasos (Leo) of Highlands Ranch, CO, Y Gol (Gan) of Charlotte, NC, Sherry Hafliger of Kincaid, KS, and Tracy Hammond (Kris) of Burley, ID; many great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and sister Ruthie McGuire of Mukilteo, WA.
Robie was preceded in death by her parents Francis Hetzel and Ruth Pillars; siblings Doyle Hetzel, Della Evenson, and Francis White; and son-in-law Sam Viar Jr.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at WaKeeney Veterans’ Cemetery for family only. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Pastor Steve Dinkel of Liberty Foursquare Church will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains or Liberty Foursquare Church both of Hays, KS. Donations to the organizations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St. WaKeeney, KS 67672.