Carnival & Fair Buzz

Roberta E. Mathis, a beloved matriarch and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. Born on December 23, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Roberta lived a remarkable life filled with love, adventure, and dedication to her family and community.

The daughter of Robert E. Archibald and Phyllis J. Archibald (Jedlicka), Roberta grew up in the Chicago area alongside her brother Edward Archibald. She attended Quincy College, where she met her first husband, Edward Boyd Noerper. Their union marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey together. While stationed in Germany during Edward's military service, they welcomed their first child, Mary. Upon returning to Quincy, Illinois, they had their second child, Ann. at this point both Roberta and Edward earned teaching degrees but chose a different path to support their growing family.

Using war bonds gifted by Roberta's father, the couple purchased a small carnival kiddie ride-a decision that would shape their lives in unexpected ways. From that modest start, they built a thriving family business that became a cornerstone of their legacy. Together with her second husband and business partner Carl E. Mathis, Roberta expanded their enterprise to include Boyd's Amusements, Mississippi Valley Show, Archway Amusements, Midway of Mirth Shows, and Jack Lindle Shows. Their ventures brought joy to countless communities through state fairs, carnivals, parks, and events across the country-a testament to Roberta's entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to her family's success.

Roberta was preceded in death by her husbands Edward Boyd Noerper and Carl E. Mathis; her partners Ruben Shenberg , Millard Goffstein. Later special friend Harold Siegfried came into her life.

Roberta devoted children are Mary Siedler, Ann Sedlmayr, Carl Mathis III, Edward Noerper (Elaine), Robert Noerper, Joseph Noerper (Gwen), Theresa Noerper, William Noerper (Leta), and Anthony Noerper (Brenda); as well as honorary son Lloyd Auldale.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: James (Marcelline) Siedler; Michele O'Rourke (Robert); Carla Sedlmayr (Jimmy); Carl IV (Ksenija) Mathis; Edward (Ashley) Noerper; Robert Mathis (Jessica); Tonisha (Haliffy) Echeverri; Shea Bryant; Tamra Bryant; Macy Putnam; Logan Putnam (Natalie); Ashley McCants; Kristina Conrad; Amanda (Alyssia) Smith; Katie (Nathan) Sieffert; Jay (Estrella) Noerper; Anna Fuchs (Lawone); Michael (Melissa) Bittinger; Tina Phelps; and Anthony Noerper Jr., Honorary: Joe Jackson

Her great-grandchildren Brendon Siedler, Teth Poirier, Nathan O'Rourke (Sarah),Jordan O'Rourke (Stephen), Jamie (Brandon) Hughes, Alivia Grace Noerper, Tyler Noerper, Camden Dennis, Logan Mathis, Cameron Mathis,Aleks Kobryn, Andreas Kobryn (Julia), Liara Mathis, Bentley Amoy, Augustus Putnam, Khloe Putnam, Caden McCants, Clinton McCants, Lynx Dodd, Hazel Sieffert, Kai Noerper, Alayah Williams, Dezirae Bailey, Gayla Bittinger, Ariel Bittinger, Axel Bittinger, Esme Phelps, JJ Phelps, River Phelps, Ryan Phelps.

Her great-great-grandchildren Keegan Caviness, MaKenzie Caviness, Mason Caviness and Melody O'Rourke.

Roberta was also a treasured sister-in-law to Norman (Susan) Noerper, Nancy Balota, Judy Luckowski Safron (dec), Mary Sue Guenther, and Thomas Noerper.

Cathy (Jim) Habermehl, Robert (Beth Berg) Noerper, Velma Brown.

She was a devoted aunt and cousin whose warmth extended far beyond family ties-her friendships spanned the globe and enriched the lives of all who knew her.

In addition to her entrepreneurial accomplishments, Roberta found joy in life's simple pleasures. She was an active member of the Dream Club and cherished reunions with her high school friends from Nile High School. She loved bingo nights, casino outings, solving puzzles, traveling to new places, and hosting family gatherings that brought everyone together.

Roberta's enduring passion for education led her to sponsor the Carl Mathis Memorial Scholarship for nearly two decades through the Showmen's League of America - St. Louis Chapter. In honor of her lifelong dedication to this cause, a new scholarship has been established in her name: the Roberta E. Mathis Memorial Scholarship.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

SLA-St. Louis P.O. Box 345 Hazelwood, Mo 63042

please reference Roberta's Memorial.

Per Roberta's wishes, she was cremated. A celebration of life will be held in mid-March to honor her memory and the incredible impact she had on so many lives.

Roberta's life was one of love, resilience, and boundless generosity-a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. May her memory bring comfort and peace to those she leaves behind.