Carol Kathleen "Robbie" Roberts Thompson Blythe

Robbie Blythe told us she had to leave us and she slipped peacefully away on February 28, 2021 surrounded by her children. She was born in 1944, the twelfth child of Walter and Lucille Roberts. Lucille died when Robbie was eight days old but not before she asked the older siblings to name the beautiful baby with golden hair. They chose “Carol Kathleen” because it was Christmas time and she was a special gift of love during a time of great loss. As a young girl, she acquired the nickname “Robbie”, a moniker better suited to her vivacious and positive outlook. She was everyone’s friend and gave freely of her time, talent, attention and love. Family was her cornerstone and included seven children: four from her marriage to Richard Dean Thompson (Brenda, Sandra Lea, Bryan and Michael) and three who became her children when she married their father, Jackie Blythe (Shawn, Melanie and Adriene). After Robbie graduated from Johnston High School, she embarked on a long and varied career that included beauty school, clerk/trainer for social services, mail handling, and customer service. She and her sister, Helen operated the Redwood Cafe’ and became renowned for their famous cinnamon rolls which they tossed to the crowds in the Urbandale St. Patrick’s Parade who were glad to sink their teeth into the delicacy proclaimed as Iowa’s # 1 Cinnamon Roll by the Iowa State Fair. After retiring from Qwest, she was elected president of the retirees for communications workers of America (CWA) Robbie and Jackie filled their world with music and beauty. Jackie sang country gospel with his bands and provided the music for many celebrations and gatherings that were usually festooned with the displays and centerpieces designed and constructed by the two of them. Almost every family event had Robbie’s loving mark upon it, whether it was the special crafts for the children, good food, or a beautiful display. Left to cherish her memory are children Brenda (Brent) Robinson, Sandy (John) Kamp, Bryan (Lisa) Thompson, Michael (Kelly) Thompson, Shawn (Mary) Blythe, Melanie (John) Grimm, Adriene (Robert) Mitchell, 22 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Others include siblings: Dan Roberts of Harrison, Arkansas; Rosemary Yetter, Joan (Charles Greenwood) Roberts and Michael (Gary Wagner) Roberts-Wagner of Des Moines; and Winifred (Bill) Krause of Columbia, Missouri; numerous extended family members and a multitude of friends. She was loved by all and indeed her life was a precious gift. Memorial services will be held March 4, 2021, at Creekside Church 2743 82nd Place Urbandale, IA 50322 from 4 PM to 7 PM. A burial service will be held Friday, March 5, 2021, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery located at 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive in Adel, Iowa at 11:00 AM. If you are unable to attend the memorial service the family would welcome you to send a card to the Address: ℅ C.K. Robbie Thompson-Blythe 10604 N.W. 78th Ave. Johnston, IA 50131 with your favorite memories of Robbie. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition at https://www.desmoinesmc.com/donate/. The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition is a non-profit organization and collaborative movement committed to building a stronger and more diverse music community in the greater Des Moines area. Donations can also be made by phone at (515) 676-0005 or by mail at Des Moines Music Coalition, 900 Keosaqua Way Suite 177, Des Moines, IA 50309.