Roberta Holdren

Roberta Elniff Holdren, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, was born July 22, 1932, on her grandfather Russell’s farm southeast of Randall, Kansas. She passed away peacefully at the age of 93 years, 1 month, and 9 days on Sunday, August 31, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She was the eldest daughter of Lawrence Virgil and Elda Susan (Russell) Elniff. Roberta attended grade school at Jaybird District 100 east of Randall and graduated from Randall Rural High School in 1950.

In May of 1950, she married Carl Claus, and together they welcomed two children, Steve Carl and Pamela Joyce. Though their marriage later ended, Roberta found lasting love with Charles Duane Holdren, whom she married on October 2, 1954. In 1955, Charles adopted Steve and Pamela as his own, and later that same year, they welcomed their daughter, Charla Marie.

Roberta lived a life of service, both to her family and her community. She was active in the PTA, Rebekah Lodge, Jewell Chamber of Commerce, and the Red Hat Society of Jewell. She was baptized in the Lutheran Church east of Randall and later became a member of the Christian Church in Jewell.

In 1994, Roberta retired after 20 years of dedicated service as a Nurse’s Aide at Mitchell County Hospital. Alongside Charles, she was also co-owner of Jewell Variety for several years.

Roberta was known throughout the community for her “Jewell Rap,” a lighthearted tradition that brought joy to many. Family, however, was always her greatest priority. She adored her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to support them. She also enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life, including crocheting, embroidering, sewing, and painting. You could always guarantee a blanket or afghan of some sort for the holidays. She also played a big role in Williams Your Way Travel, helping plan endless trips that brought joy and memories to so many. The last three years while at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Center, when visiting her you could guarantee she was watching the Rodeo Channel, and her favorite activity there was BINGO.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Holdren (2003); parents, Lawrence and Elda Elniff; daughter, Pamela Williams; son, Steve Holdren; sons-in-law, Eldon “Bub” Williams and Calvin Monty; grandson, Brian Williams; and two great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Charla Monty of Beloit; grandchildren, Cindy Monty, Christina (AJ) Hupfer, Quanita Williams, Brennan Williams, Brooke (Anthony) Williams, Braelynn Monty, Jenna Hupfer, Tanner Hupfer, Zoe Williams, Zander Williams, and Julia Gormly; and great-great-grandchildren, Charles (Trey) E. Harmon III, LaTavius, Aamir, and Vaidyn.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, at the Jewell Christian Church, Jewell, Kansas. Burial will follow at Wallace Cemetery, east of Jewell. Visitation will be Thursday, September 4, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kleppinger Funeral Home in Jewell, with family present from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. A luncheon at the Jewell Community Center will be held at 11:30 a.m., prior to the funeral service.

Memorials may be made to 302 Delaware (formerly The Pub) in Jewell, KS, in memory of Charlie and Roberta Holdren.

Roberta will be remembered for her devotion to family, her community spirit, her humor, and the love she stitched into every handmade gift. Her legacy of kindness, resilience, and joy will live on in the many lives she touched.

For online condolences, please visit kleppingerfuneralhome.com.