Roberta Hake, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital, Fountain Hill, at the age of 91. Born on June 6, 1933, in Bethlehem, PA, to the late Robert Ruch and Stephen and Veronica (Spisak) Bacak, Roberta lived a life marked by love, service, and joy.

Roberta proudly served her country as a member of the Women's Army Corps (WAC) during the Korean War, a period that not only defined her spirit of service but also led to a fateful encounter in an elevator with the man who would become her husband. After her time in the Army, Roberta dedicated herself to raising her children, becoming the heart of a home filled with laughter, love, and shared memories.

She is survived by her loving family: her sons, Stephen Hake of St. Augustine, FL, Richard Hake of Rutherfordton, NC, and Robert Hake of Mentor, OH; her daughter, Catherine Hake of Allentown; her sister, Dorothy Bickel of Bethlehem; her sister-in-law, Nancy Ruch of Allentown; her grandson, Aubrey Hake of OH; her granddaughters, Elizabeth Bailey of NC and Melissa Jewell of PA; and her great-grandchildren, Andre, Alexander, and Dorian. Roberta was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Aubrey Hake, Sr.; her son, Aubrey Hake, Jr.; her daughter, Sandra Phillips; and her brothers, Joseph and Robert Ruch.

Roberta was a faithful member of Incarnation of Our Lord Parish in Bethlehem, where she nurtured her faith and found great solace and community. Her gentle spirit and faith-filled life were an inspiration to all who knew her. She was the embodiment of love in action, always putting the needs of her family and friends before her own.

Her interests were simple yet filled with warmth. Family vacations, board games, and bingo nights were among her favorite pastimes, with Parcheesi holding a special place in her heart. Despite developing macular degeneration later in life, Roberta's zest for storytelling and imagination remained undiminished as she enjoyed listening to audio books, particularly the novels of Danielle Steele, which brought her much comfort and entertainment.

Roberta's laughter was a beacon of joy in the lives of her family. She had a knack for making everyone around her smile, and her loving nature was evident in every hug, every shared story, and every moment spent together. Her legacy is one of kindness, compassion, and a gentle strength that supported her loved ones through life's challenges.

Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday January 7, 2025 at Incarnation of Our Lord Parish, 617 Pierce St, Bethlehem, PA 18015, where the family will receive relatives and friends from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the Mass. Burial will take place at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery. Roberta’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Cantelmi Funeral Home, Fountain Hill. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

Contributions:  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Roberta's name to Incarnation of Our Lord Parish.