Robi (Carpenter) Michael, 69 of Chalk Bluff, passed away peacefully following a courageous battle with cancer on December 11, 2023.
The family will receive friends from 5pm-6pm, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 with the Memorial Service beginning at 6pm.
A reception will follow the Memorial Service.
Robi Jo Carpenter was born on January 15, 1954 at Hillcrest Baptist Hospital in Waco. She was the second of three daughters born to Garland and Louise (Craig) Carpenter. Robi was raised in Waco and attended Waco public schools including University High School. On December 17, 1971 Robi married Larry R. Michael of Elm Mott. They welcomed Tracy, a baby girl in 1972. Robi was a fulltime wife and mom who quickly became involved in Larry’s HVAC business, school PTA, Ballet and Girl Scouts with Tracy.
The Michael family built a house in Chalk Bluff that would become the nerve center of the family for the remainder of her days. With the desire to increase the family, Robi and Larry became foster parents and were blessed with addition of five new family members, Kevin, Joni, DeeAnn, Cassie and Cody. In addition, the Michaels continued to foster numerous children over several more years. Robi increased her involvement in the Foster Care process by teaching prospective foster parents and speaking as an advocate for foster children before members of the Texas State Legislature.
Robi was a Connally Band booster and an ROTC chaperone for many years. Robi became a regular fixture at Connally ISD substituting for teachers and the school nurse. An avid reader, Robi was hired as a library assistant at Connally High School. Following the retirement of the librarian due to illness, Robi continued to manage the library for some time until a replacement was found. At that time, she moved to managing the elementary library. She found her dream job and spent the remainder of her career fostering reading across Connally ISD. Robi loved spending time with her family, reading, watching old movies, counted cross-stitch and her two cocker spaniels Willie and Burton. All who knew Robi appreciated her great sense of humor, quick wit and amazing memory for TV and Movie trivia.
Robi was preceded in death by her father, Garland Carpenter; mother, Louise Carpenter Nance, and stepfather George Nance. In addition, Robi was preceded in death by sisters-in-law, Kelly Hawthorne and Linda Stewart.
Robi is survived by her husband, Larry Michael of Chalk Bluff; children, Tracy Michael of Waco, Kevin Michael and DeeAnn Pilgrim (Jeff) of Gholson, Joni Michael and Cassie Michael of Chalk Bluff and Cody Michael of Waco; grandchildren, Amity Sutterfield of Georgetown, Faith and Grace Sutterfield of Chalk Bluff, Shayle Raney of Navarro County, Patrick Michael of Chalk Bluff, Brayden, Kamryn and Dylan Pilgrim of Gholson; two sisters, Melisa Rosser (Jim) of Waco and Garlanda ‘CoCo’ Kasik (Harry) of Euless, and numerous nieces, and nephews, relatives, coworkers, and former foster children.
The family wishes to thank all of her doctors and BSW hospice for providing wonderful care during her illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Connally ISD for benefit of the Library Program or the American Cancer Society.
Print Obituary & Condolences
I love you Mama! Miss you so much, already!
-,Joni Beth
Tracy and family… we are so very sorry for the loss of your mother. But she is no longer in pain and having to fight – she is healed, whole and at peace. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I have so many wonderful memories. Miss you Aunt Robi.
My condolences to the family. Mrs. Michael was such a kind and nice lady. I always enjoyed sharing stories with her at CISD. She was always so supportive of my department and was always willing to help. I can never recall her not laughing or having a smile on her face every time we talked. I will definitely miss her laugh and demeanor. She will be missed but never forgotten.
Ronnie Price
May she rest in peace. A caring person and great mother and wife to my brother.
Mrs. Robi was such a great lady and loved just being around her. She made going to work fun especially during the “book fair”. She will be greatly missed by many people!!
Sending love & comfort…
Prock & Canet families
Having Robi for an older sister meant doing crazy things at her suggestion, when she had absolutely no intention of doing it also. That’s how I came to have a picture of me sitting on a live Longhorn steer at the Ft Worth Stockyards after I was too old to do such. Even so, I will miss her every day.
Prayers and hugs for Larry, Tracy, Kevin, DeeAnn, Joni, Cassi and Cody and all of the Grand babies, Lisa and
Coco. I’m sure she will be missed by many, many more. We are thinking about you all. Wishing you comfort.
Many fond memories of Aunt Robi. May light perpetual shine upon her and may Robin rest peacefully.
Peace Robi,
You were a special friend. We had fun in Brownies and adventures we did.
Judy Peters
What can I say about my Mama that hasn’t already been said?
But I will try so here goes.
She was the best Mama I could have asked for.
My best friend and confidant.
The best wife, mother, Grammy, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend to so many who love her.
I’m grateful for all my brothers and sisters her and Daddy brought into my life.
All the foster kids.
I have so many good and funny memories.
Mama falling out of the chair at Pizza Hut when I was little. She was young so it didn’t hurt her. She just laughed as we all did…lol.
Her and Aunt Linda taking us to Six Flags EVERY year in August in the 120° weather.
The Drive In movies on 1.00 carload nights.
All the Friday nights with Aunt Coco, Harry and the girls.
Watching Seven Brides for Seven Brothers a million times…lol.
All the Saturday shopping trips with Nanny, Aunt Lisa, Aunt CoCo and the Girls.
The endless lunches at The Italian Village.
Her craving Kevin’s brisket.
The millions of hands of Rummy between Mama, Joni and I.
(Joni always won)
Cassie and her little curl on the top of her head when she was little that Mama called a fountain.
Going with Cody when he was in ROTC to the USS Lexington every year.
All the games of Phase 10 and many board games with Mama, Amity, Faith and Grace.
Gracie Bug always won…lol.
Shayle bossing Grammy around when she was little…lol.
Patrick leading Grammy around by the finger his whole life…lol.
She loved us all so.
My heart is broken and I miss you more than any words could say.
I know Nanny and PaPa were waiting for you to welcome you home and that brings me comfort and a little peace.
Watch over Daddy.
52 years tomorrow you were married.
He loves and misses you so much.
As we all do.
Save me a seat next to you up there.
I love you Mama💙❤
Robi was a very special person. Her dedication to the foster system was admirable. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. RIP Robi
I worked with Mrs. Michael for only a short year, but she was such a funny & kind person, who had no problem telling anyone her opinion on things. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing.
Robi, was a great lady and friend and avid supporter of Connally JROTC. She often gave me great insight and sound advice for dealing with many cadets we had in the program. One of my favorite chaperones we had on JROTC trips. She was an integral part of making JROTC a successful program during my tenure at Connally. My heart hurts for the family. May God give you strength.
You will be very missed. My daughter loved you and loved getting to hang out with you. Thank you for being so wonderful to her and letting her run errands for you or just let her sit in the library with you. Thank you for thinking of her and bringing me things to give her when you thought of her, which seemed often. We will not forget you.
Mrs. Michael, I can’t believe you are no longer here with us. You gave me safe haven in my teenage years and warmth I desperately needed. You gave me love, laughter, and purpose. You will be greatly missed down here, and an absence in the world is surely felt by many. Fly high and rest.
My condolences to her entire family. My heart is with you all.
I have many great memories of my sister-in-law, Robi. I remember the great Easter celebrations on the Brazos with a big herd of kids, colored eggs and Robi wearing her bunny ears.
Rest in peace at last.