Bernice Ribet Robinette

It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Bernice Ribet Robinette, 94, of Valdese, NC, on August 1, 2025.

Born November 27, 1930, in Valdese, NC, to the late Frederick and Bernice Smith Ribet, she dedicated her life to her family, nurturing her children and grandchildren with unwavering love and support. Bernice graduated from Valdese High School in 1948 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Catawba College in 1952. That same year she was crowned “Miss Valdese.” Bernice married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Bill Robinette, in 1953. A few years later, they moved to Florida where they raised their family, and she had a long career in teaching. Bernice was a devout Christian and was a faithful member of Pinelands Presbyterian Church in Miami, Florida, for 45 years, where she served as a deaconess. She was adored by her family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her children’s friends’ all called her “Mom.” She was an excellent cook and could whip up a delicious meal with whatever ingredients she had on hand. Bill and Bernice shared 32 years of marriage before his sudden death in 1985. They had always planned to return to NC to retire, so in 2012 she moved back to Valdese and rejoined her childhood church home, the Waldensian Presbyterian Church. An avid sports fan, Bernice loved cheering for her favorite sports teams: the Miami Dolphins, the Miami Heat, and the Florida Panthers. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, game shows, word searches, reading, and figuring out Wordle with her daughter, Laura.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Toni Hall (William), Robyn Rooney (Bob), Bill Robinette Jr. (Cara), Laura Robinette, Bob Robinette (Terry); her grandchildren, Erin Rooney, Heather Hall, Ryan Rooney, Shannon R. Williams (Jason), Thomas Robinette, Erica Robinette; her great grandson, Malcolm Williams; her sister-in-law, Daisy Robinette; and many special nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) T. Robinette Sr.; her sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and Bill Eanes; and her brother and sister-in-law, F. Richard and Carol Ribet.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, August 5, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., at Heritage Funeral Home in Valdese. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 6, at 11 a.m., at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church in Valdese, followed by a burial service at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Valdese.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Waldensian Presbyterian Church in Bernice Ribet Robinette’s memory.