Roberta’s life began on Dec. 7, 1935, in Dowagiac, the daughter of Leslie and Irene (Butler) Gordon.

She was united in marriage to Eugene Karnes on Aug. 9, 1955, in Roseland, Ind.

Roberta was better known as Grandma Bert and owned Grandma Bert’s Daycare in Dowagiac for nearly 30 years.

She was a member of the Hope Community Church in Niles and formerly a member of the Federated Covenant Church in Dowagiac.

She was a member of the Dowagiac Moose Lodge and the DeColores Community.

Roberta had a special place in her heart for her dear dog, Angel.

Her greatest joy was her family, which includes: her husband Eugene Karnes of Dowagiac; children, Robin (Carl) Matlock of Fountain, Rick Karnes of Dowagiac, Tammie (Gary) Peffley of Pokagon, Eugene (Brenda) Karnes Jr. of Dowagiac and Kim Wilkins of Sister Lakes; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Roberta, 74, of Dowagiac, passed away at her home on Friday, May 28, 2010.

She is preceded in death by: her son, Scott Karnes; sisters, Virginia Kehrer, Roulene Elliott, Helen Cross, Burnice Checkley, Katherine Huston and Carol Haley; and brothers, Lawrence and Roger Gordon.

Her family will gather with friends on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where her funeral service will be on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to Hope Community Church Youth.

Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Roberta at www.yazel-clark.com.