Robertha H. Klauder

Robertha Frances Howell Klauder (Robbie), August 25, 1933 – February 2, 2026.

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our cherished Oma, beloved mother to four children. She passed away at the Four Seasons Mirage in Barnegat, New Jersey. She was 92.

Robbie was born Overton, Texas along with her twin brother, Robert, to Hansel and Fannie Howell. She was the youngest of five children Mary, Eva, John, Robert. Robbie attended High School in Alice, Texas and later in California. She attended Occidental College in Los Angeles and later the University of California at Berkeley graduating in 1953 when she married fellow Berkeley graduate and Physics standout John R. Klauder. He was recruited by the prestigious Bell Telephone Laboratories of New Jersey.

Robbie was a dedicated mother and homemaker for four children Karol (1955 – 2016), Katherine (1957), Kim (1959), and John (1963).

Returning to college in the late 1970’s, she attended Drew Theological School, receiving her Masters of Divinity 1983. She was ordained in the United Church of Christ in 1984 and pastored the

Congregational Church of Closter New Jersey for a decade. Then she became a dedicated hospice chaplain before retiring.

Robbie has four grandchildren, Kali Bassingthwaighte, Jasmine Klauder, Jessie Marks, and Nycole Freeman. She also has 10 great grandchildren, Avery Robinson, Savannah, Emily and Harper Freeman, Jameson, Rory and Mia Marks, Isabel, Isaiah and Sofia Bassingthwaighte.

Robbie had been a resident at Four Seasons Mirage since 2000 and was an active member of the community. She was involved with a meditation group and a co-founder of the Quest group.

She was an avid swimmer and loved the beach and the pools at the Mirage. She credits the Center for Creative Living, the Guild for Spiritual Guidance, and the Jung Foundation for helping her on her personal journey.

She will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 1 to 1:30 PM with Services and a Time For Sharing to begin 1:30 PM at Barnegat Funeral Home, 841 W. Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ.

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