Roberta Neal Fender, born Roberta Louise Neal on December 12, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, died peacefully at home in Olympia, Washington, on April 15, 2026, with her daughters by her side.

She was the daughter of Ruth Jane Arnold and Richard Russell Neal, and she carried forward their steadiness, practicality, and quiet strength. Roberta graduated from Western Washington State College with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and worked as a fourth grade teacher before starting her family. Teaching suited her—she had a natural calm, a clear sense of fairness, and a way of making children feel seen.

She married Gary Dale Fender, and together they raised two daughters. Roberta built a home defined by loyalty, generosity, and a deep sense of responsibility. She was funny in a way that came from her sincerity and was tough enough to keep going in the face of adversity. She cared without fanfare and created stability for the people she loved.

Roberta also played a central role in the business she and Gary built together. When he founded Digital Wizards, Inc., she stepped in as the company’s Chief Financial Officer, managing the financial side of the growing business.

Roberta was deeply committed to her community as well. She was an active member of the Lacey Sunrise Lions Club, where she poured her time and energy into service. Her dedication was recognized with the Melvin Jones Fellow award from Lions Clubs International—an honor reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional humanitarian service. Her generosity was steady and sincere, the kind that made a real difference without ever seeking attention.

She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Elizabeth Boyes. She is survived by her daughters, Marie Alene Sinfield and Lynda Elaine Fender; her grandchildren, Nicole Renee Sinfield and Ryan Phillip Sinfield; and her siblings Richard Russell Neal, Jr., Rosemary Ann Watling, Robin Leslie Neal, and Phillip Thomas, all of whom were important parts of her life.

Her life was marked by love, generosity, humor, and endurance — a presence that will be deeply missed and long remembered.

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