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Roberta Jean Olson, 54

Roberta Jean Olson died peacefully at home and surrounded by family on June 28, 2018, in Newman Lake, Wash., after a courageous 10-year battle with breast cancer. She was born in Jefferson County, Kentucky, on Oct. 27, 1963. She was adopted by Roger and Barbara Olson, along with her brother, Curtis, and joined her new sister and brother, Vicki and Mike. As a military family, they moved many times across the United States and lived in the Panama Canal Zone for three years.

Prior to her adoption, Roberta spent a few years in the foster care system, and as a result of that experience she made it her life’s goal to save as many children as she could. She graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1981 and while raising her children, she attended college, graduating from Western New Mexico University with a degree in sociology. Roberta was a social worker for the State of Texas, and in that capacity she did indeed save many children.

Roberta will be remembered as a devoted mother with a wonderful sense of humor, kind nature and a loving, gentle soul.

She is survived by her children, Heather Romano of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Vincent Romano of Colorado Springs, Colo. Also surviving are her mother and stepfather, Barbara and Jim Browne of Coeur d’Alene; sister, Vicki Olson of Cincinnati; brothers, Michael (Kristy) Olson of Ceres, Calif. and Curtis (Mikki) Olson of Newman Lake. Other survivors include several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Roger Olson.

The family is grateful for the loving care provided by Hospice of Spokane and for her devoted sister-in-law, Mikki, who was her caregiver the past few months. Rest in peace, Bertaae, love you.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Roberta’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.