Roberta Minchaca, 59, of Blanca, Colo., unfortunately passed away at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023. Surrounded by her loved ones, Roberta fought a tough, short battle against meningitis and an infection throughout her bloodstream.

Roberta was born on Dec. 11, 1963, to Edward and Margaret Roybal in Alamosa, Colo. She was the oldest of three children, being the only sister. Roberta grew up in a loving household, that included many family gatherings, road trips, and outdoor activities. She attended Sierra Grande High School and graduated as class valedictorian.

During high school, Roberta worked at the Hitching Post in Blanca, Colo. After school, Roberta became a licensed practical nurse and then worked for Dr. Mercier at his chiropractors’ office. She then worked at the SLV HMO and then the SLV Health Surgery Center. Eventually, Roberta started working at Alamosa County Public Health for many years and then at the Women’s Clinic in the Alamosa Hospital. Finally, she changed her career from medical work to becoming a shipping clerk for Blanca Potato.

In 2003, Roberta had her first and only child, Sofia Minchaca. Roberta was the best mother and did anything to take care of her baby girl. She was able to watch her grow up into a young adult and continue her education.

Roberta would take on many volunteer roles. She was a member of the HIPPY program and would take the time to travel to children’s homes to teach the curriculum and provide books. She was also very involved within the Catholic Church. Roberta taught confirmation for nearly 15 years at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Fort Garland, Colo. She recently also began teaching baptism classes.

In her free time, Roberta loved reading, traveling, and spending time with her daughter. She loved collecting snowmen and gnomes, which quickly grew in numbers. She was a strong Denver Broncos and Denver Nuggets fan. Roberta was also a great cook and loved to bake as well.

Roberta was preceded in death by her father, Edward Roybal, her paternal grandfather, Juan Roybal, her paternal grandmother, Clorinda Roybal, her maternal grandfather, Roberto Gallegos, and her maternal grandmother, Adelaida Gallegos.

She is survived in death by her daughter, Sofia Minchaca, her mother, Margaret Roybal, her brothers, Edward (Tiffany) Roybal, and Walter (Emma) Roybal, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The rosary will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Fort Garland, Colo., on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. The funeral mass will be followed directly after at 11 a.m. Burial to follow at Blanca/Ft. Garland Cemetery. A reception will be held after the burial at the Fort Garland-Blanca Community Center.

Romero Funeral Home of Alamosa has been entrusted with the care of arrangements.