01/19/2026
Roberta Shank, age 75, of Sidney, Nebraska, passed away at her home on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Memorial services for Roberta will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 2:30 P.M. at the Church of the Nazarene in Sidney with Pastor Lee Eads officiating. Services will conclude at the church. Services will be livestreamed on the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel page and recorded for later viewing on our website. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to the Church of the Nazarene – Table of Grace.
Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel to leave condolences for the family. You may view Roberta’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com.
Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Roberta’s care and funeral arrangements.
Roberta Shank was born on September 19, 1950, in Newark, New Jersey, to John and Hazel Castagna. In1960, she moved with her family to South Plainfield, New Jersey, where she grew up and built lifelong memories. On March 20, 1977, she married the love of her life, Billy Shank, beginning a journey together that would span 48 years and be filled with devotion, family, and quiet strength.
After their marriage, Bill and Roberta made their home in Kimball, Nebraska, where they raised their family and shared many meaningful years. In 2002, they moved to Sidney, Nebraska, where Roberta continued to surround her life with the people she loved most.
Roberta was a devoted mother to her two sons, Gregory John Shank and Gary Joseph Shank. Gregory and his wife, Alexis, blessed her with two grandchildren, Haven and Grayson, who were the absolute joy of her life. She cherished every moment spent with them and took great pride in being their grandmother. Her son Gary later moved to Reno, Nevada, where he welcomed his daughter, Emalee, who also held a very special place in Roberta’s heart.
She shared her life with her siblings—brothers Phillip and John, and sister Hazel. John and Hazel preceded her in death. Though loss touched her life, Roberta remained loving, compassionate, and deeply connected to her family.
Above all else, Roberta loved being with her husband, her children, and her grandchildren. She had a gentle heart and a giving spirit, always putting others before herself and making sure everyone around her was cared for. Her kindness was felt by all who knew her, and her presence brought comfort, warmth, and love.
She is survived by her loving husband, Billy Shank; her two sons, Gregory John and wife Alexis Shank of Sterling, CO, and Gary Joseph Shank Reno, NV; cherished grandchildren, Haven, Grayson and Emalee.
Roberta is also survived by her brother Phillip, of New Jersey, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Roberta was preceded in death by her parents, John and Hazel Castagna, brother John, and sister Hazel.
Roberta will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her unwavering love, her selfless nature, and the quiet grace with which she lived her life.
