Linda “Nana” Robl

During the early summer morning hours of Friday, August 26th, our precious Nana Robl passed away peacefully, surrounded in love by her family.  She would have been 75 on December 18th.

Nana was born in the sprawling township of Grand Forks, ND.  Known as the “Red River of the North”, she spent her youth in this charming burgh with her beloved mother, Florence Parkos. After graduating high school, Nana attended nursing school and worked in town until she met and married the love of her life, husband of 54 years, Erwin “Poppy” Robl.

Side note: although the titles of “Nana” and “Poppy” wouldn’t apply until much later in life, to many, if not all of us that loved them, there are no other names better suited for these two amazing human beings.

Due to Poppy’s service in the Air Force, the two traveled to many wonderful destinations they called home. With their children (Ann and Greg) in tow, they explored the beauty of England, experienced the chill of Anchorage, AK, and eventually settled at home in Keizer, OR, where they lived happily for 35+ years.

Nana always loved crafting, watching Disney movies, and showing off her cooking acumen to those willing to watch the master at work.

She would sit in her craft room painting ceramic statues for hours and eventually present them as gifts to the people she loved.

Her next favorite pastime was watching Disney movies with her grandbabies.  She liked to pretend her massive collection of princess, prince, and magical character videos was only there for her grandchildren, but we all knew she loved them just as much as the children she shared them with.

As for her cooking, those of us privy to her excellence in the kitchen will forever remember the skill she possessed. Thanksgiving turkeys, little smokies in BBQ sauce, apple and pumpkin pies (that cooled in the garage overnight), stuffing (with onions hidden from sight because Poppy didn’t like them), and tasty delights found online months before.  All of it was prepared with love and presented with class and pride.

Besides her love of family, not much could compare with the joy the holidays brought to this remarkable, God-loving family monarch. To say that she was as giddy as a child when Christmas came around would be an understatement.  To this day, many of the family honor the timeless tradition of opening Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve because it’s how “we always did it at Nana’s”.

The last few years of Nana’s life have been in the excellent care of the staff at Avomere Court. There, Nana flourished, creating beautiful friendships like the one she had with her best friend, Ardis Martin.  She was never bored nor felt alone in the care of the attentive and kindhearted staff at Avomere.

To say that Nana will be missed is an understatement.  The only solace in our hearts is that she is hand-in-soul with her kindred spirit and true love in heaven.  We will love you forever and think of you always, Nana.  Peace be to God.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years and retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Erwin Robl; her mother, Florence Parkos; her sister, Anna Mae Hintz; her two brothers, Dennis and Dale Desautel; and her son-in-law, Arthur Wright.

Linda is survived in love by her daughter Ann Wright and son-in-law Joe Persampire; her son Gregory Robl and daughter-in-law Vicky Robl; her grandchildren, Brianna Dye, Joe Wright, Tommy Wright, Lizzie Wright, Lizzie’s fiancé Roger Ramos, and Abigail Robl.  As well as her very special, much adored, and incredibly loved great-grandchild, Alexander Arthur Ramos.

Service and Celebration of Life will be held this Saturday, September 3rd, at 10:00 AM at Johnson’s Funeral Home in Salem, OR (134 Missouri Ave S).

In lieu of flowers for the service, the family suggests that you donate in Nana’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://tinyurl.com/334cw8fd