Roberta Mae Derr, 79, of Laramie, died Monday, July 20, 2020 at Spring Wind Assisted Living. She was born on April 5, 1941 in Cheyenne, WY to Robert Elsworth and Edna Mae (Doughtery) Humphrey. She grew up and attended school in Burns, Wyoming.
She married Larry D. Derr on February 5, 1961 in Burns.
After receiving her degree from the University of Wyoming Roberta went on to work for First Interstate Bank. She later began teaching at Laramie High School, where she retired after 31 years. Roberta’s passion was in the education of the youth and the helping of others. She selflessly gave with all her heart. For being a small woman her heart was giant and her love of the lord was full. She enjoyed her students that she taught over the many years and remained in contact with many of them. Roberta was not only involved in keeping up with her children’s, nieces, and nephew’s activities she also participated in many school activities while teaching, which included FBLA, Cheerleading, Prom, and being a 4H Leader for many years.
Her busy school life never kept her away from enjoying being outside, leather crafts, sewing clothes for her children, or canning.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Larry and her parents.
She is survived by her sons, Larry Michael Derr (Sunny) of Cheyenne, and Randy Derr of Laramie; her grandchildren; her great grandchildren; her brothers, Gene Humphrey, Jim Humphrey, and Bob Humphrey; and her nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Greenhill Cemetery with Pastor Dennis Moore, officiating.
17 Comments To "Roberta Mae Derr"
#1 Comment By Patti Sanchez On July 23, 2020 @ 6:09 am
Our condolences to her family. Mrs Derr was always so happy when I saw her at Spring Wind. I had her as a teacher at LHS a long time ago, and so seeing her weekly since Jan 2020: before the lockdown was always a joy. May she Rest In Peace now. I’ll keep her memory in my heart.
Patti Hulett Sanchez and Family
#2 Comment By Janet Gerking On July 25, 2020 @ 7:35 am
So glad you posted a picture of Roberta with her huge smile. That’s how I remember her. She was a wonderful teacher and friend. What a talented lady. LHS was so lucky to have her on the faculty.
#3 Comment By John dougherty On July 23, 2020 @ 8:40 am
My condolences to Roberta’s family, I have many great memories of growing up as cousins and remember all the great Christmas Eve dinners at Grandma Mom’s and the other family gatherings May those fond memories comfort you through this difficult time.
#4 Comment By Rob Bress On July 23, 2020 @ 10:31 am
Dear Mike and Randy,
I was sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. I have so many memories of her – many centering around swim meets but also from her time as a teacher. She was a very special woman and I am grateful to have known her. Rob Bress
#5 Comment By Sharon and Rudy Sanford On July 23, 2020 @ 1:37 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with Roberta’s family. I have so many great memories of growing up with her as my cousin. She always had a smile on her face. She was talented and a hard worker. May you Rest In Peace sweet “Bert”.
#6 Comment By Amy Eubanks On July 23, 2020 @ 4:33 pm
Roberta was a wonderful teacher at LHS, I learned as much as the students as a paraprofessional. She was firm but fair and totally into her students’ growing as young productive adults. Last time I spoke with her was at Walmart a year ago. She is a shining star and will be remembered.
#7 Comment By Carol Moore On July 23, 2020 @ 6:35 pm
Mike and Randy, I was so sorry to read of your mom’s passing. I have such great memories of Mrs Derr. I don’t think I would have gotten through High School without her sense of humor. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
#8 Comment By Carol Silver Van Vleet On July 23, 2020 @ 9:27 pm
Randy so sorry for your lost ? prayers for you and your family.
Carol
#9 Comment By Tawnie Kern On July 24, 2020 @ 11:47 am
Randy, I am very sorry to see this. So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mike and the rest of your family! Hugs.
#10 Comment By Greg Powell On July 24, 2020 @ 4:49 pm
Sorry to hear she was a amazing woman she will be missed ??
#11 Comment By Craig & Melody Nottage On July 25, 2020 @ 10:17 am
So sorry for your loss Randy.
#12 Comment By Anonymous On July 25, 2020 @ 7:34 pm
May your many fond memories of Roberta help you through this difficult time. I taught with her for many years. She was always so nice and helpful especially with my aunt who decided she needed a computer. Roberta came and patiently worked with her on how to use it. I was so grateful. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Donna Thompson
#13 Comment By Donna F Thompson On July 25, 2020 @ 7:37 pm
May your fond memories help you through this difficult time. Roberta was always so nice even helping my aunt learn to use the computer. I taught with her for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.
#14 Comment By Tyler Kern On July 26, 2020 @ 10:27 am
Very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Derr was one of my favorite teachers. I’m grateful she had the chance to help shape my young mind while growing up.
#15 Comment By Shawna Otte On July 26, 2020 @ 11:25 am
I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Derr was one of the teachers at LHS who really impacted my life. She was a firecracker, but she made learning fun. I ended up majoring in Business many years later as a non-trad, partially because of her influence, and I had an amazing career prior to returning to Laramie. She will always hold a special place in my heart for her patience and direction that she dispensed to us every day in class.
#16 Comment By Anonymous On July 27, 2020 @ 4:40 pm
My prayers and condolences to all of Roberta’s family and friends. I went to Burns School when Roberta was in the high school. She was always very nice to me even though I was a year younger than Gene in school. She always had a smile on her face and had time to say “Hello”. She will be missed by all. Vicky Hopkins Steege
#17 Comment By Ray Miller On July 28, 2020 @ 10:29 am
Condolences, I enjoyed Roberta and Larry for many years, may they rest in peace,
Ray Miller