Memorial

Roberta J. Chrystal, 87, a long-term residence of eastern Iowa, died on Tuesday, December 3, in an assisted living facility in Alpharetta, GA.  Visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 11 from 5-7 pm.  Services will be held at Golden Congregational UCC Church, Ryan, IA on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 11 am.  

Survivors include her 4 children Carrol Chrystal of Kennewick, WA; Cynthia Chrystal, Johns Creek, GA; Brian Chrystal, Delhi, IA and Michelle (Jeffrey) Warner of Johns Creek, GA.  She is survived by 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  Roberta is preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her parents James E. and Emma (Zimmerman) Shover; three sisters Lucille Hallett, Irene Locke, Perle Zumbach; one brother, James R. Shover and one grandson, Christopher Chrystal.

Roberta was born on January 2, 1926 near Ryan, IA.  On September 26, 1948, she was united in marriage with Harold R. Chrystal.  Roberta was a grade/high school teacher in Nemaha, Garnavillo and Ryan Public School Systems.   She and her husband farmed in Delaware, Buchanan and Linn counties.  She served as a 4-H leader in Delaware and Buchanan Counties.  As a life-long member of the Golden Church she served in many capacities including Sunday School teacher, youth group leader and a member/officer of the Women’s Fellowship and Home Builder’s Club.  During her 30-year tenure with the Iowa State University Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, Roberta served over 1000 families in Linn County.  

Memorials may be directed to the Golden Church Roberta Chrystal Memorial Fund (Golden Church, 2959 190th Ave, Ryan, IA 52330) or the Linn County Deputy’s Association- Food Basket Fund (Linn County Deputy's Association- Food Basket, Attention Sharene, PO Box 669,  Cedar Rapids, IA 52406).  Condolences may be sent to Roberta Chrystal Family, 1255 Vintage Club Drive, Johns Creek, GA 30097.