Barbara Anne Ek Roberts

life story

A loving mother, Memaw and RN.

"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living, my Mommy you'll be."

About Barb

Barbara Anne Ek Roberts, age 70, a beloved mother, Memaw, and friend, passed away peacefully after a long illness at Mercy Hospital, Coon Rapids.

Barb was born in Two Harbors, MN to Jean (Gardner) and John Kermit Ek. She grew up the youngest of 4 siblings. She spent her days admiring the Great Lake Superior.

She was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Two Harbors and her faith remained an important part of her life. She was a member of United in Christ Lutheran Church in Eveleth, MN, and currently Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN.

Barb graduated in 1972 and attended nurses' training at Methodist College, graduating in 1975. She married the father of her children and moved to Gilbert, MN.

She worked at the Virginia Regional Medical Center as a surgery nurse until the birth of her first daughter, Cynthia. She stayed home for a few years and then worked at the Arrowhead Nursing Home in Eveleth after her daughter Luanne was born. Next, she became the Director of Nursing at the East Range Clinic in Virginia, MN, eventually becoming Essentia Health. She was an empathetic boss, leader, and mentor to many. She retired in 2018.

Her family was her biggest joy. She spent her daughters' growing up years being their biggest cheerleader, spending countless hours volunteering at Girl Scouts, Job's Daughters, and TEC. She never missed their activities and this continued with her 4 grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. Her house was always open to all her daughters' friends, and she was the second mother to many.

She is survived by her daughters Cindi (Zach) Tagg and Luanne Schmidt, both of Buffalo. Four grandchildren Aaden, Acacia, Austin Tagg, and Paityn Schmidt. Brother Harold Ek, Sister Alice Smith, both of Two Harbors, and numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends. She was preceded in death by her second husband, Jerry Roberts, her sister Joanne Sansom, a sister-in-law Genevieve Ek, a brother-in-law Eugene Smith, and both of her parents.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

February 8, 2025

Zion Lutheran Church 1200 MN-25, Buffalo, MN 55313, USA

One hour before the service, at 10:00 AM, there will be a visitation.

Burial will be at a later date in Two Harbors, MN.