Roberta A. Kipp, 80 died on Monday, January 15, 2024 at her home. Roberta was born on September 3, 1943 to Leander Kipp (father Charlie Kipp) mother (Annie Moody) & Wilma Loree Minthorn/Wannassay Kipp (father Jason Wannassay) mother (Anna Minthorn) in Pendleton, Oregon, where she also attended school. Among the cities where she lived include Celilo, Moiser & Pendleton, Oregon; Lewiston, Idaho; San Jose, California. As children, Roberta and her siblings fished at the historic Celilo Falls on the Columbia River with their dad. Roberta had a good work ethic wherever she worked. Her employment ranged from electronics to social services that allowed her to work alongside the community. She attended council meetings at Nixyaawii Governance Center and was an active member of CTUIR, serving on several committees. Roberta embraced her culture’s traditions and loved to dance at pow wows and listen to the many drums. Her adventurous spirit led her to favorite spots like Indian casinos, rodeos, gatherings, Nixytaawii school sports. She was a big fan of the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle Seahwaks, Portland Trailblazers and Oregon Ducks. Roberta lied Motown and R&B music and promoted native songs and dancing to the youth that she met. She loved crocheting and among her creations were yarn belts that her grandmother taught her to make for pow wow dancers and giveaways. She also shared her grandmother’s dedication and service to the Tutuilla Presbyterian Church and began attending services early on as a child. Roberta became a dedicated and respected advocate for many, including the homeless. Her efforts extended well beyond her social services background. Roberta was devoted fan of the Pendleton Round Up. She could be heard saying “Let’er Buck” proudly all year long, especially for the PBR categories.
Robert (also known as Bobbi) completed her life’s journey and went home to the Creator. She looked forward to spending time with her son, family, friends and in the community where she was a force of life that will always remain with us. Roberta had a quick wit and a sharp sense of humor. There was never a moment she wasn’t pushing boundaries in some way.
There are not enough words to complete Roberta’s obituary. She will be missed more than words can fully express. What is written here is just a glimpse of her life. Those of us who knew Roberta have our own memories of her. Share them whenever you remember her smile or she said something that helped get you to the next hour/day/week stronger than before. Let us honor and celebrate the days and nights that she lived to the fullest between the time she entered this world and when she left us.
