Roberta May Schave, age 96, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam, WI.

She was born November 24, 1929, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the daughter of Donald C. Drake and Blanche M. (Van Buskirk) Wolfrom. In her early years, Roberta’s family lived near Pewaukee Lake before relocating to Columbia County in 1940. By 1942, they had settled in Pardeeville, where they made their home on Washington Street—a place filled with memories of her formative years.

On February 11, 1946, Roberta was united in marriage to the love of her life, Daryl Schave. The couple began their life together spending their first summer with Roberta’s parents before moving to Beaver Dam, where they lovingly raised their growing family. It was there that their five children were born, and where Roberta devoted herself wholeheartedly to being a caring and attentive mother. In 1948, the family became members of the Presbyterian Church, and for the next two decades, Roberta focused on creating a warm and nurturing home for her family.

In 1967, Roberta began working outside the home as a stitcher at Kolpin Products, where she was employed for six years. She later continued her work in the industry as a caser and fancy stitcher at the Weyenberg Shoe Factory for four years. In 1974, Roberta and Daryl moved to the Town of Marcellon, where they built a home and continued their life together. Their faith remained an important part of Roberta’s life, and she became an active and devoted member of the Presbyterian Church there.

Roberta’s love of learning and community led her to the Angie Cox Public Library, where she began working as an assistant. After becoming certified in 1977, she went on to serve as the library’s director for five years, a role she carried out with pride and dedication until her retirement in 1987. Even in retirement, Roberta remained active, working various jobs including a summer at Larson Community Factory in 1988 and later as a stitcher at a glove factory near Rio. In 1990, Roberta and Daryl moved to a farm in Springvale, embracing a quieter pace of life. In 1992, they joined the Methodist Church, where she continued to live out her faith and connect with her community.

Roberta found great joy in the simple and creative pleasures of life. She had a special talent for restoring furniture and took pride in decorating and painting, always adding her own personal touch to everything she did. She also enjoyed braiding rugs, a craft that reflected both her patience and creativity. Above all, Roberta loved to watch things grow—especially her flowers, which she tended with care and admiration, bringing beauty to her surroundings year after year.

Family was at the center of Roberta’s life. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and extended family, and her legacy lives on through them.

She is survived by her children: Terry (Marie) Schave, James (Phyllis) Schave, Gregory (Mary) Schave, and Brian (Barbara) Schave; her many grandchildren: Bonita (Kevin) Burton, Mark (Kim) Schave, Chris (Jamie) Schave, Jackie (Adam) Garcia, John (Annette) Schave, Danial (Roxanne) Schave, Bill Rennhack, Betsy Rennhack, Heather Haider, Jessie Schave, Sara DeWitt, Miranda Schave, Vanessa Schave, Calvin Schave, Mike Schave, Jenny (Joseph) LaRoche, James Schave-Van Buren, and Kurt Schave-VanBuren; 3 step-grandchildren; 40+ great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren; her sister: Barbara North; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Roberta was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Drake and Blanche (Van Buskirk) Wolfrom; her beloved husband, Daryl Schave; and daughter Deborah Rennhack.

A Funeral Service for Roberta will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 12 Noon at Grasse Funeral Home in Pardeeville. Interment will follow at Marcellon Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday morning from 10 AM until the time of service at the funeral home.