In Loving Memory

It is with everlasting joy that we announce the homegoing of our beloved Roberta Jean Murdaugh, who entered eternal life with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 1, 2026, at the age of 88. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, whose warmth, kindness, and laughter touched the lives of all who knew her.

Born on October 9, 1937, in Loving, New Mexico, to Robert and Gladys Tarbutton, Roberta grew up surrounded by family and friends who nurtured her love for family, music, and her relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ. She rejoiced when her sister Patricia joined the family 11 years later. She was valedictorian of her Junior High School before her family moved to Springfield, Missouri where she finished high school and met her future husband Willis Murdaugh, Jr. They were married on December 14, 1956, and began a 40-year-journey as pastor and pastor’s wife, rearing four sons in the process.

God gave her many gifts, and she honed them through years of faithful service in teaching, serving, singing, and playing piano or organ. After Willis went home to meet his Savior in 1997, she continued to serve at churches in both San Jose and Morgan Hill, California until her retirement from Berean Christian Bookstores. After retiring and moving to Moreno Valley, California, she began attending Calvary Chapel Moreno Valley, serving as a leader in the widow’s ministry and women’s Bible studies. During this time, she enjoyed staying active in the lives of her grandchildren through “Grammie weekends” and attendance at their life events, such as birthdays, graduations and weddings. Her final two years were spent in Temecula, California, being cared for by family. Throughout her life, up to her final moments, she was a reflection of Jesus Christ to everyone she encountered. The joy of her salvation was evident to all who met her or knew her. She will be missed, but we know that we will see her again in eternity.

Roberta was preceded in death by her husband Willis, parents Robert and Gladys Tarbutton, and she is survived by her sister Patricia Young (David). She is also survived by her four sons Mark (Cheryl), David (Denise), Russell (Shannon), and Daniel (Linda), as well as nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate Roberta’s life will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Calvary Chapel Moreno Valley, located at 28010 Ironwood Avenue in Moreno Valley, California. All who wish to honor Roberta and her family are welcome to attend. The memorial service will also be streamed live on the church’s YouTube channel. (https://www.youtube.com/@ccmoval)

As the Bible was the most important book in her life, in lieu of flowers, Roberta requested that donations be made to Gideon’s International, an organization that distributes free Bibles worldwide, in Roberta Murdaugh's memory. Go to https://www.sendtheword.org, select “choose a card,” select “e-cards,” pick a card to personalize, “recipient’s name” would be Roberta Murdaugh Memorial, “recipient’s email address” would be Robertasmemorial@gmail.com.