Roberta Johnson Tree

Roberta Johnson Tree was born on August 27, 1936, in Lehi, Utah to Marvirda Helois Paxman Johhson and Verland Dittmore Johnson. She was the oldest daughter of four children, Her siblings being Verland Douglas Johnson, Barbara Ellen Johnson Draper, and Kathleen Johnosn Blanchard. Roberta was an excellent student and actively played sports in high school. She graduated from the BYU nursing program in June of 1958. In her early career, she worked as a labor and delivery nurse and later as the director of nursing at a nursing home. 

On October 31, 1958, after waiting 2 years for him to complete his mission, Roberta married David Rees Tree in the Salt Lake City Temple. In 1963, they moved their family to West Lafayette, Indiana where they lived for 48 years. Roberta and David had 5 children who are each married Alan (Rae), Roberta Pixton (Mark, deceased), Dale (Karen), Rebecca Pickard (Mike) and Jane Walton (Aaron). Staying at home until the children were all finished with grade school, she was always there to hear about your day, drive you to your activity, make cookies, and help you with your homework. She played with, worked with, and taught her children and the other children in the neighborhood. The family owned a pop-up tent trailer that was used for Friday night family get aways, and cross-country exploration. From Indiana to Utah and back the trailer was used to explore every possible pathway. Her favorite being a route through Yellowstone National Park. On a drive, she constantly looked out the window to discover and enjoy the plants, animals and landscape. 

Roberta was a valiant member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she pioneered church growth in the Purdue Ward and the surrounding area. She served in almost every possible church calling including Primary Teacher, Relief Society President, and Young Women’s leader. She also served quietly, taking her small children to church alone while David served and traveled as a Bishop, high counselor, and in the Stake Presidency. She served for decades in the Chicago and Oquirrh Mountain Temples. 

Roberta was an energetic grandmother and great grandmother. When she was still able, she played games with the children, both indoor board games and outdoor games, such as whiffle ball and croquette. Her Sunday dinners were delicious. Her favorite was roast beef, mashed potatoes, homemade rolls, and chocolate cake with her own homemade frosting. She had a sweet tooth and a tight belt. At Christmas she found a different personal gift for each child, their spouse, and each of her 21 grandchildren. 

Roberta passed away on September 3, 2026 after a long life of hard work, valiant church service, and giving love to those around her. She is survived by her sister Kathleen, all 5 of her children, 21 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.  

Funeral services will be held on Saturday. September 12, with a viewing at 10:00 am followed by services at 11:00 am at the Lindon 2nd Ward Chappel, 610 West 100 South, Lindon, Utah. The interment will follow directly after the funeral services at the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery.