Alta Mae Robb, 90, Hope

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend Alta Mae Robb went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the age of 90.

Alta was born on April 21, 1935, in Fort Ritner, Indiana, to Floyd and Margarette Penrose. After moving to Chicago, Illinois, she met the love of her life, William “Bill” J. Robb. They were married on November 25, 1955, in Chicago and began their life together there, welcoming four of their five children before returning to Lawrence County and eventually settling in Hope, Indiana, where they built their home and life’s legacy.

Alta’s life was a shining reflection of her faith. She loved her Lord deeply and lived each day with grace, humility, and compassion. She was active in several churches including Hope Community Church of God, HIS Church in Okeechobee, Florida and Buckhead Ridge Baptist Church in Okeechobee, Florida, and found great joy in Bible study, listening to gospel music, and sharing the Good News with others. She faithfully led Good News Bible Club, encouraging others to build a lasting relationship with Christ.

Alta was also a proud entrepreneur and small business owner. She and Bill opened The Gold Nugget Pawn Shop in Hope, Indiana.  The Gold Nugget is a reflection of their strong work ethic, sense of community, and shared dream of building something lasting together. The Gold Nugget became a part of their family’s story and stands as a symbol of the legacy they built side by side.

To her family, Alta was lovingly known as Mamaw.  Mamaw was the heart of our family and the source of so much joy. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren treasure memories of fishing with Mamaw, visiting her snowbird home in Okeechobee, Florida, riding with her in the “party wagon,” and trips to Anderson Falls.  Mamaw could always be counted on to pray at family weddings and over every meal.  Her eloquence, intelligence, wit, infectious laugh, her sense of adventure, and her unconditional love will forever echo through those memories.

Alta is survived by her children Billie (Alan) Whitted of Columbus, Bobbie (Dave Wipperman) Robb of Edinburgh, Jackie (Dan) Tallent of Hope, James (Michele) Robb of Sacramento, CA, and Aaron (Jim) Krupa of Sugarland, Texas; her brother Charles (Dianna) Robertson; her beloved grandchildren David (Carrie) Carman, Alex (Teresha) Whitted, Dane (Brittany) Carman, Audrey (Travis) Walters, Austin (Darci) Whitted, Sydney (Doug) Tallent-Zasacky, Logan Robb, Avery Tallent, Sam Robb, Ryan Robb, Vivian Krupa, and Mary Kate Krupa; and several nieces and nephews.

She was blessed with great-grandchildren who filled her heart with joy: Kaleb Carman, Molly Carman, Alex Whitted, Ayla Whitted, Nellie Carman, Jack Walters, Wyatt Walters, Owen Whitted, Jace Whitted, and Nora Zasacky.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents, and four siblings.

A Celebration of Life will be hosted by Gerald Hancock at the Hope Community Church of God, 15250 E. 650 N., Hope, Indiana on Wednesday, November 26th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Norman Funeral Home, Hope, Indiana made burial arrangements at Proctor Cemetery near Dixon Chapel in Lawrence County Indiana on Thursday, October 26.

Those who wish to honor Alta’s memory are encouraged to share a kind word or prayer or they can donate to their favorite charity in her name.