Roberta J. "Bert" Croft
Of Indianapolis, slipped peacefully away in the early morning hours of January 5, 2014. She was born Roberta Junge, on April 30, 1929 in French Lick, Indiana to Blanche (McDonald) and Benhart Junge. She married Charles Henry "Chuck" Croft, of Polk County Florida, on May 29, 1947. Theirs was a love affair for the story books – he, a southern-born Naval private stationed aboard LSM 129 in the Philippines during WWII, and she, a Hoosier shipmate's cousin appearing in photos tucked inside letters from home. Chuck wrote first, Bert replied. He was the perfect balance of patience to her spitfire and they spent the next 62 years showing us how love endures.
Grandma Bert, as she was most often known, adored children and spent many years running a daycare in their home. She loved canaries and roses and crafting beautiful handmade gifts. She was fierce in her love for her family and was never afraid to speak her mind.
Bert was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chuck; her parents; older sisters Natalie Junge and Ruth Neilsen and brother-in-law Arthur Neilsen; infant brother Benjamin; and son-in-law Richard Bain. She leaves behind daughter Carolyn Bain of Brownsburg and son Allen (Lois) Croft of Pendleton; grandchildren Robyn (Sean) Hart of Brownsburg, Caryn (Matt) Murdock of Noblesville, Nicholas (Kimberly) Croft of Noblesville, Adam Croft of Pendleton, and Emily (Joey) Charles of Phoenix; great-granddaughters Logan and Samantha Hart and Sophie Croft; and great-grandsons Charlie & Joey Murdock, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews, and a lifetime of extended family and friends who will never forget this diminutive woman and her enormous heart.
Calling will be held from 1 until 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2014 in Flanner and Buchanan- Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, Good Shepherd Chapel, where the service will immediately follow at 3 p.m.