Roberta Kay Johnson, 78, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, October 22, 2019. Per her wishes only a private family memorial will be held. Roberta was born in Webster City, Iowa on March 5, 1941 to Walter and Ethel (Smid) Tapper. She grew up in the Webster City area. After high school, Roberta moved to Los Angeles, California where she worked for Prudential Insurance. She later moved back to Iowa and got married. The couple moved to Iowa City where they began their family together and finally settled in West Des Moines. Roberta had a long and successful career as a legal assistant until her retirement from the Brown Winnick Law Firm in 2016. She enjoyed working, traveling and most of all, spending time with her family. Those left to cherish her loving memory are her children Kristin (Mike) Thomas of West Des Moines, Alec Johnson of Los Angeles, and Jacquelyn (John) Gilbert of Perth, Australia; grandchildren Mikaela Thomas, Brandon (Kacie) Thomas, Sean Thomas, Jordan Thomas, and Jessica Thomas; great-grandson Warner Thomas; and sister Barbara (Ed) Niebaugher. She was preceded in death by her parents. A memorial celebration will be held with family and close friends. Celebrate Life Iowa in West Des Moines has been entrusted with the care of Roberta and her family.