Roberta A. Schlanker, 86, of Kansas City died Aug. 13, 2024, at Wexford Place in Kansas City. Mrs. Schlanker was a graduate of Central Methodist University. She began her teaching career in Troy and later taught in the English department at De Soto Junior High School for many years. After retirement, she was active with the Friends of the De Soto Public Library. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, reading, traveling with her husband and spending time with family. Much like her mother, she loved to pass on her love of learning and reading to others, often recommending the latest good book she had found. Her favorite book was “To Kill a Mockingbird” and her favorite poet was Robert Frost. Born June 24, 1938, in West Bend, Wis., she was the daughter of the late Robert and Lou (Behncke) Woodington.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Charles Schlanker.
She is survived by a child: Kurt M. (Sarah) Schlanker of Parkville; two siblings: David K. (Theresa) Woodington of Maritt Island, Fla., and Gloria J. Northcutt of New London; four grandchildren: Amanda Schlanker (Jim Huffman), Charles J. (Heidi) Schlanker, Samuel and Grace; three great-grandchildren: Trent, Jaycee, and Charlee; and many other family members and friends.
She also was preceded in death by a son: Charles “Erich” Schlanker; and a brother: Richard C. Woodington.
A memorial gathering is scheduled from noon until a memorial service at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main, in De Soto. Memorials may be made to the De Soto Public Library and the family encourages everyone to read in her memory. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.