09/21/2025
Jan Robertson
OCTOBER 9, 1940 – SEPTEMBER 13, 2025
Peggie Jan Tongate Robertson was born October 9, 1940, to Elsie Billings Tongate and Elza Benjamin Tongate. She was an only child, and her parents adored her. She grew up on a farm in Zephyr, TX, Jan enjoyed working on the farm, turning all animals into pets, going to school. Jan’s most remembered school stories included breaking her arm in elementary school, winning a trip to Chicago with her 4H project, and becoming Valedictorian of her graduating class from Zephyr High School.
After high school, she became the first in her family to attend college, choosing Texas Tech. She studied Home Economics Education. While at Tech, she met her husband at the Church of Christ Bible Chair. Dwight Gage Robertson, Jr. asked her to coffee to celebrate their mutual birthday, October 9. They married 3 months later on January 22, 1961.
They welcomed their first daughter in December 1961, Tracy Ann. Gage graduated from college in May. They moved to Pampa where Gage began his career as a mechanical engineer. Although Jan did not complete her degree at that time, graduation continued to be her goal.
In August of 1963, Toni Jean arrived, followed by Tami Lynn in October of 1965. Tami was born on October 9, as well so three of the five shared the same birthday.
Jan stayed busy raising children, maintaining the home and caring for the many pets, cats and dogs were always a part of the home. Jan enjoyed growing plants, inside and out, sewing, swimming, and bowling. The family moved over the course of 10 years to Franklin, Louisiana, back to Pampa, on to Big Spring. In Big Spring, she was the Aquatics Director at the YMCA where all three daughters worked for her as lifeguards, swim teachers, and babysitters.
When the family moved to Amarillo in 1979, Jan returned to the workforce, serving as a bookkeeper at Santa Fe Credit Union, Pendleton and Co., and Multiple Systems. She was also the bookkeeper for Friends of Camp Mary White when it first began. Jan worked to help with college tuition so all three of her girls could earn degrees.
Her beloved husband, Gage, passed away in January of 1993. Her daughters were grown and living away, so Jan went back to school. She graduated from West Texas State A&M University with an Accounting degree in 2003 at the age of 63.
At this point in her life, her focus was grandchildren. Jan had 5 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. She attended as many school programs as possible, P*e Wee sports games, scouting events, choir and band concerts, as well as drama and musicals. If there was an event celebrating her grandkids or daughters, she was there regardless of the distance or weather. She continued supporting her grandchildren until her last breath. Jan was often heard telling others about her grandchildren’s successes, marriages and graduations.
Jan’s legacy is unconditional love of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior. Her faith and works were her life. While in Louisiana in the midst of the political turmoil and violence of the 60’s, Jan and Gage helped Brother Lemon and his family start the Church of Christ in Jeanerette. As days grew increasingly difficult over the last few months of her life, Jan increased her time in God’s Word. She exhibited unconditional love and faithfulness, demonstrating that to her family. She was excited to attend church the week before she died, understanding the importance of faithful attendance. Jan was a faithful and active member of Southwest Church of Christ since 1979.
Jan passed away on September 13, 2025, at home, as family held her hands and sang her to Heaven.
Jan is preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Elsie Tongate, her husband, Gage Robertson, Jr., and a son-in-law, Glen Waldo, Jr.
She is survived by her three daughters, Tracy McFadden and husband Dennis, Toni Waldo, and Tami Kraft and husband Jim. Six grandchildren, Benjamin Kraft (Sara), Gage Waldo (Samantha), Kimberly Sullivan (Patrick), Trey Waldo (Alexis), Jake Waldo (Ryleigh) and Austin Kraft (Sydney). Jan has four great-grandchildren, Lillian Kraft, Harlan Kraft, Ethan Waldo, and Kaysen Sullivan. She was delighted to learn that Trace Sullivan is expected to arrive next spring.
Visitation will be Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 2- 4 pm at 5400 Bell St.The memorial service will be Monday, September 22, 2025 at 10 am at the funeral home with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the High Plains Children’s Home. Other organizations that Jan supported include the missions at Southwest Church of Christ, the Southside Food Pantry in Killeen, TX and Friends of Camp Mary White.
