Roberta Lee Berchtold

On Monday, September 8, 2025, at Scripps Memorial Hospital, Roberta Lee Berchtold left this earth as she lived it—fearlessly and with joy. She achieved her wish to remain active and passed away doing what she loved most, a shore dive in the Pacific Ocean near her beloved San Diego home. Roberta was a vibrant soul—a true force of nature—whose energy and spirit touched everyone she met. She lived her life fully, embracing each moment with passion, strength, and an unwavering zest for life.

Born April 30, 1954, in Peoria, Illinois, to Robert and Doris Berchtold, Roberta spent her childhood on the family farm near Edelstein. There, she embraced the lessons of hard work and grew a lifelong appreciation for nature and animals, qualities that remained central to her life.

Her airline career began in reservations and customer service and soon brought her to the place she loved most—Southern California. With United Airlines, she proudly became one of the early women trained in operations. Her work gave her the opportunity to see new places and embrace adventures that enriched her life in extraordinary ways. Whether she was traveling, scuba diving, hiking, surfing, or discovering new experiences, she always found joy in exploring the world around her. This adventure-filled path, combined with her love for the ocean and the outdoors, gave her life a depth and richness that she shared generously with those around her. After retiring, she bought a condo on the Indian River in Melbourne, FL where sitting on her balcony was her own personal Sea World. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm for life will be remembered and missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Doris Mae Berchtold (née Taylor); her sister, Cynthia Ann Okerberg; and her father, Robert James Berchtold. Roberta is survived by her nieces and nephews and their families, cousins, and many cherished friends, all of whom will hold her memory close and remember the kindness, joy, and enthusiasm she brought into their lives.

Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Please join us for a celebration of her life at Top of the Hill Farm at 21427 N, Benedict Street in Chillicothe, IL on Sunday, October 26 from 2-4 pm.