HUBBARD, Roberta Ruth

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Saturday, December 26, 2009 Roberta Ruth Hubbard died on Dec. 17, 2009, in Prescott, Ariz. She was 89. Born Aug. 23, 1920, in Chandler, Okla., she was the daughter of Clifford Jerome Coyle and Nelle Deering Coyle. Roberta entered Illinois Wesleyan University at age 16 and transferred to the University of Oklahoma the following year. During her three years there, in addition to academics, she performed in plays, sang with the choir, played piano and was active in student affairs. She completed her bachelor's degree and the additional classes required for a teaching credential. On Nov. 9, 1941, she married her college sweetheart, James Charles Hubbard. Jim's service in the Air Force took them first to Dayton, Ohio, and then to the Los Angeles area, where they made their home. Roberta was a stay-at-home mom for her two children until they were both settled in school, then taught kindergarten for several years. She completed her master's degree in educational psychology at CSU Northridge and was licensed as a Marriage, Family and Child counselor. She shifted from teaching to counseling and served as a senior psychologist with the Los Angeles Unified School District until a year before she and Jim retired to Prescott in 1983. Roberta and Jim were founding members of St. Mark's Presbyterian Church in Van Nuys, Calif., where they attended from 1950 to 1983. She was the church's original organist, playing for Sunday services in what was affectionately known as "the Barn," before the new sanctuary was built. She and Jim later sang in the choir and served as elders. Upon moving to Prescott, Roberta and Jim joined Trinity Presbyterian Church, where they made many new friends and found warm support for their lifelong faith. They were both active in the church until they died. Roberta also served on the board of directors of the Monday Club and volunteered at the Yavapai Blind Center for 20 years. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Hubbard of Van Nuys, Calif.; her son, Mark Hubbard and his wife Sue of Eureka, Calif.; numerous beloved nieces and nephews; and too many close and wonderful friends to mention. She will be missed and remembered by all who knew her. Information provided by survivors.