Roberta Foss (Birkedahl) Jones

Robert F. Jones (aka “Berta” and “Bobbie”), 90, of Pendleton, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026. 

Arrangements have been made with Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, in Pendleton, and the family will hold a Celebration of Life memorial service for Roberta at the Pendleton Arts Council on July 16, 2026, beginning at 11 a.m. All are very welcome. 

Roberta’s life as an educator, champion of the arts, and ever engaging wife, sister, mother, grandmother and friend, was shaped by intellectual curiosity, a keen aesthetic sensibility, and an exacting standard in all her pursuits. In her last years, although she was largely confined to bed at Suttle Care in Pendleton, she continued to bring spark and wry humor to all those she loved and who loved her. 

Roberta graduated cum laude from Pacific Lutheran University and earned her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Portland State University, where she met her beloved husband, Leland B. Jones. In 1967, the family made Pendleton their home. 

From 1967 until her retirement, Roberta taught in the Pendleton School District—first as an art teacher and art coordinator for the District, and later as a teacher of both Art and English classes at Pendleton Junior High School. 

Beyond the classroom, Roberta was a very active member of the community in Pendleton. In retirement, she served for several years on the Board of the Arts Council in Pendleton, including as Board President, as well as on the Board of Directors of the Oregon East Symphony. Roberta and Leland were both trained artists and were personally dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts in Eastern Oregon. 

Roberta is survived by her sister Gail (and family), of Poulsbo, her son Tony (with wife DeeDee), of Pendleton, her daughter Jenny (with partner Ivo), of Prague, CZ, and her beloved grandchildren: Sherry, Nicholas (with wife Makayla), Carlo, Jason (with wife Megan), and great grandchildren: Kylie, Kaitlyn, Noah, Gabriel and Jericho--and with more on the way! Many students have spoken fondly of having Roberta as a teacher in their youth, and the family would like to extend a special invitation to the Celebration of Life memorial service to Roberta's past students, in addition to her many friends in the community, former colleagues, cherished caretakers, and relatives, near and far.