Roberta Anne Griffin, (affectionately nicknamed "Baby Bee"), age 72, of the Northeast area of Kansas City, Missouri passed away March 10, 2007 at North Kansas City Hospital. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at Charter Funeral Home, 5000 Blue Ridge Cutoff, Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral service will be March 14, at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Mount Washington Cemetery. Roberta was born in Kansas City, Kansas on April 6, 1934 to Harold Nelson Wiber and Dorothy Marie (French) Wiber. She lived all her life in the general area of Kansas City and southern Missouri. She experienced hardships at a young age and accepted the challenges of caring for the needs of her younger brother Eugene. When her sister died, she rose to the challenge of being the caregiver of a niece and nephew, adding them to her family with open arms and a loving heart. Many nieces and nephews relied on her as a confidant, a friend, and an aunt who could love unconditionally, always looking for the good in others. She loved art and was eager to share her oil painting skills and techniques with others. She had a keen eye for color, perspective and defining details. Her natural talent of bringing life to the canvas became her hallmark and gained the admiration of all who loved her. Roberta also enjoyed gardening, watching birds, and spending time with family and close friends. Her consideration for others, friendly disposition, positive influence and sense of humor will be missed by all. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Lorraine Walker, and two brothers Edward and Eugene Wiber, a former husband Karl Kauffman, and a son Ron Penland. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Glenn Eugene Griffin of the home, a sister, Hope Lamb of Kansas City, MO, daughters; Vada (Rob) Martin of Citrus Springs, FL, Jeanne (Roy) Strange of Gladstone, MO, Karla (Leo) Favoroso of Kansas City, MO, and Dee (Frank) Glossip of Gladstone, MO, and a son James Nelson (Billie) Hollins of Kansas City, MO, stepsons; Glenn (Tina) Griffin, Terry Griffin and Randy (Debbie) Griffin. She also will be missed by 19 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and three greatgreat-grandchildren, along with nieces, nephews and many friends. The family would like to thank the I.C.U. doctors and staff of North Kansas Hospital for the care, emotional and physical support they extended to the Griffin family during this time of sorrow.

Published in "The Kansas City Star" on June 8, 2011