Roberta Tate July 14, 1929 - August 14, 2023

Roberta “Robbie” Tate went home to be with her Lord and Savior August 14,2023. She was born July 14,1929 to Mary and Rob Smith of Ada, Oklahoma.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lawrence Tate, Brothers Edwin “Pug” Smith and James “Jimmy” Smith, sisters Velma Findlay and Bobbie Oltmanns.  She is survived by her son Larry (Kathy) Tate; daughter Susan Tate McCollum; Grandchildren Dustin Tate, Savanah Tate, James (Brytnee) McCollum, Jeff (Lana) McCollum, Eli McCollum and Layla McCollum; Great Grandchildren Madelynn Tate, Kiley Benbrook and Brittney Benbrook, as well as many loving Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces, Great Nephews, Great Great Nieces and Nephews.

Lawrence was best friends with Pug Smith.  Pug had a little sister, Roberta.  Lawrence and Pug left to join the U.S. Navy during WWII.  When Lawrence returned to Oklahoma City, Lawrence couldn’t believe his eyes. Pug’s “little sister Roberta” had grown up and he was smitten.  But, he’d have to fight for her!  One night Roberta had a date with another young man.  The Young suitor had just arrived to pick up Roberta.  Lawrence showed up, unannounced, at the same time as her date.  Neither young men was happy see the other.  Soon fists started flying and they ended up rolling around the front yard!  MaMa quickly let Roberta and the two young men that Roberta would not be going out with either!  Eventually, Roberta chose Lawrence.

Lawrence and Roberta were wed on September 27, 1947.  They moved to Cyril, Oklahoma where Lawrence worked at Burlington Northern Railroad (formerly Frisco) and Roberta was a beautician. In Cyril they raised their family.  Roberta taught Sunday School at the First Baptist Church on Cyril.  Later after the children flew the coop,  Roberta and Lawrence moved to Oklahoma City.

Among the things Robbie enjoyed, shopping had to be at the top!  She loved to water ski even though she could not swim a lick!  She and Lawrence loved to dance, from square dancing, the two step to the ballroom.  Other pastimes included Family Reunions, playing horseshoes, bowling, card games with family and friends.  She was an avid cook and baker to which Larry and Susan can attest!  She loved Thanksgiving and Christmas with all the family gathered together.

Lawrence and Roberta were active members of the Masonic Lodge where Robbie was part of the Eastern Star.  Later, they joined the India Shriners and Robbie was active in Ladies of the Nile.  The year Lawrence was Potentate, Robbie was known as “Lady Robbie”.

Services will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2023 at Buchanan Funeral Service, 8712 North Council Road, Oklahoma City, OK. 73132.  Visitation begins at 10:00 am to 11:00 am followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Shriners Hospital for Children at donorrelations@shrinenet.org (855-401-4897).

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the loving care and comfort extended to Robbie during her illness:

Harbor Chase
Dr. Zachery Nollin, DO Orthopedic Surgery Specialist
Accel at Crystal Park
Choice Hospice Care
The many family and friends who helped MaMa through her illness.