Obituary for Roberta Ellen Dunkel
Mrs. Roberta Ellen Dunkel, age 78 of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away February 12, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born February 20, 1944 in Geneva, Illinois to Nelson Howard and Elizabeth (Grimm) Claypool. Roberta was united in marriage to Stuart Constant Dunkel on June 6, 1964 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Stuart survives in the home.
Roberta graduated from Glenbard High School in 1962. She attended various colleges achieving her education to become a teacher. She and Stuart moved to the central Missouri area in 1980 and she earned her teaching degree in 1992 from Lincoln University. She was employed by the Russellville School District as a beloved art teacher until her retirement in 2005.
She was a member of the Jefferson City Art Club, Friends of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter and Capital Arts. She volunteered for the Salvation Army Center of Hope and, when her children were young, she volunteered for the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. Roberta was also a cornerstone member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship where she served on both the Art and Caring Committees.
She had a passion for art and enthusiastically encouraged those around her to explore their own creativity. She was a colorful soul and enjoyed creating projects with her grandchildren to foster a love for art and self-expression. She was a gifted gardener, cultivating beautiful flowers and a talented cook. She loved cats and spent time volunteering with the Friends of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter. Roberta found joy in travel. Together, she and Stuart navigated numerous destinations including Scotland, Ireland, England, France, and Greece. Roberta will be remembered for her sweet, gentle spirit, the selfless way she lived and her devotion to her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Survivors include: her husband of 58 years, Stuart Dunkel; two children, Christopher Dunkel (Tracy Vaughn) of Ormand Beach, Fla. and Bethany Dunn (Corey Nelson) of Jefferson City, Mo.; sister, Patricia Hunter of Fort Meyers, Fla.; five beloved grandchildren, Peyton Dunlap, Victoria Dunlap, Ryker Dunlap, Kaitlyn Crouch, and Chloe Dunn; and extended family member, William James Dunn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson and Elizabeth Claypool; siblings, Margaret Claypool and Bruce Claypool; and one granddaughter, Sophie Crouch.
Visitation is from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 17, 2023, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1021 Northeast Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109. In honor of Roberta’s colorful and creative spirit, everyone is encouraged to wear bright and colorful attire.
Memorial service will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 17, 2023, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship with Nancy TannerThies officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Capital Arts at 1203 Missouri Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109 or by visiting www.capitalarts.org or the Friends of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter at PO Box 105932, Jefferson City, MO 65110 or by visiting www.friendsofjcas.org.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
She was born February 20, 1944 in Geneva, Illinois to Nelson Howard and Elizabeth (Grimm) Claypool. Roberta was united in marriage to Stuart Constant Dunkel on June 6, 1964 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Stuart survives in the home.
Roberta graduated from Glenbard High School in 1962. She attended various colleges achieving her education to become a teacher. She and Stuart moved to the central Missouri area in 1980 and she earned her teaching degree in 1992 from Lincoln University. She was employed by the Russellville School District as a beloved art teacher until her retirement in 2005.
She was a member of the Jefferson City Art Club, Friends of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter and Capital Arts. She volunteered for the Salvation Army Center of Hope and, when her children were young, she volunteered for the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. Roberta was also a cornerstone member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship where she served on both the Art and Caring Committees.
She had a passion for art and enthusiastically encouraged those around her to explore their own creativity. She was a colorful soul and enjoyed creating projects with her grandchildren to foster a love for art and self-expression. She was a gifted gardener, cultivating beautiful flowers and a talented cook. She loved cats and spent time volunteering with the Friends of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter. Roberta found joy in travel. Together, she and Stuart navigated numerous destinations including Scotland, Ireland, England, France, and Greece. Roberta will be remembered for her sweet, gentle spirit, the selfless way she lived and her devotion to her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Survivors include: her husband of 58 years, Stuart Dunkel; two children, Christopher Dunkel (Tracy Vaughn) of Ormand Beach, Fla. and Bethany Dunn (Corey Nelson) of Jefferson City, Mo.; sister, Patricia Hunter of Fort Meyers, Fla.; five beloved grandchildren, Peyton Dunlap, Victoria Dunlap, Ryker Dunlap, Kaitlyn Crouch, and Chloe Dunn; and extended family member, William James Dunn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson and Elizabeth Claypool; siblings, Margaret Claypool and Bruce Claypool; and one granddaughter, Sophie Crouch.
Visitation is from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 17, 2023, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1021 Northeast Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109. In honor of Roberta’s colorful and creative spirit, everyone is encouraged to wear bright and colorful attire.
Memorial service will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 17, 2023, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship with Nancy TannerThies officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Capital Arts at 1203 Missouri Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109 or by visiting www.capitalarts.org or the Friends of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter at PO Box 105932, Jefferson City, MO 65110 or by visiting www.friendsofjcas.org.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.