Roberta Gay Kitson

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Roberta Gay Kitson on October 31st, 2024, at the age of 69 peacefully with her husband Randall Hiebert by her side. 

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Randall Hiebert; daughter Heather Kitson; sisters Janice Unger (Harvey), Sandra Kitson; nieces and nephews Allissa Kitson, Chris Woodward (Amelia), Mike Woodward (Tanya); grand nephews and nieces Lyric, Jayda, Noah, Alexandria, Bradley, Jana, Walker, and Ellie along with many other family, and friends. She was predeceased by her daughter Leanne Kitson; sister Linda Kitson; mother Ruby Ducharme; father Robert Kitson, mother-in-law Rita Hiebert and father-in-law Lawrence Hiebert.

Roberta was born September 11th, 1955, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba and spent most of her childhood outside appreciating the nature and the beauty of the world around her. She received her education at Belle Plain and Macdonald Elementary schools, and later in Portage. She was raised to be a hard worker, growing up on a farm, and helping raise her sisters. She was employed in jobs that held social aspects which emphasized on the joy she found with speaking to people. Her last employment was as a manager of the Flying J until her retirement in 2018. She thrived on keeping the environment at work full of laughter and positivity. Roberta was a very loving mother, wife, sister, and friend, among the many roles she took on in her life. She was always a shoulder to lean on when someone needed support the most, and often took people into her home when they were going through difficult times. Aside from her undivided support to those who needed it, she was also a very creative person who loved developing her home in which she worked so hard to build. She would often spend her time refurbishing old furniture and finding beauty in something worn out and used and bringing it back to life. She also found happiness watching the birds outside the window and loved all the animals she took in on the farm. 

Roberta had many teachings that she followed throughout her life that will forever carry on with those that were surrounded by her. She would always emphasize on being kind to one another and often state “treat everyone how you want to be treated”. There are many ways she has impacted those around her with positivity, grace, and laughter, and she should be proud of the positive mark she has left on the world. A traveler at heart, with discovering new places and people, her heart would always lead her back to her family and home she built. May she finally be at peace.

As per Roberta’s request, a private family service will take place with interment at at later date at Hillside cemetery. 

The family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses and staff at Portage District General Hospital for their excellent care and compassion. 

Donations can be made to Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters Inc. MAWS c/o Box 389 Winkler, MB R6W 4A6 or do something special for someone special in your life.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.