Roberta “Bobbie” (Leach) Massey of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Saturday, December 21, 2024. She was born July 16, 1932, in Newport, the daughter of Charles Frank and Celia (McMillian) Leach.
Mrs. Massey was a 1950 graduate of Newport High School, never missing a class reunion. Soon after high school, she began working at SBC, retiring from there on October 17, 1987, after 34 years, 8 months, and 6 days of dedicated work. During her time there, she served as Union Steward for many years. Mrs. Massey was a hard worker who continued working following her retirement. She held jobs at Hobby Lobby in Little Rock, and Walmart in Newport.
Mrs. Massey loved to travel. She was an independent woman, who was most proud of being able to live on her own until she was 92.
Mrs. Massey was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton Gene Massey; one daughter, Barbara Lynn Smith in 1959; one grandson, Zachary Lee Brewer; one brother, Charles F. Leach; three sisters, Rhoda Mae Leach, Betty Jane Rogers, and Mary Frances Kunkel; and her parents.
She is survived by three daughters, Cherry Lou Johnson of Newport, Carol Ann Coley of Independence County, and Martha Kneitz of Springdale; four grandchildren, Whitney Simmons and husband, Greg of Bradford, Stacey Davis and husband, Jonathon of Diaz, Claire Coley of Denver, Colorado, and Adam Brewer of Independence County; two great-grandchildren, Presley Falwell and Everly Falwell; three nephews, Charles Kunkel, Mike Rogers, and David Rogers; one niece, Linda Odom; her lifetime friend, Barbara Jordan Clark, and her close friend, Carolyn McGonigal.
Private family service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
