When researching the name Judith Ann Robertson, it quickly becomes apparent that there are multiple women of prominence who carried this name. They lived in different states, were married to different husbands, and left behind different families — yet they are often confused with one another in online sources. This article aims to carefully examine who Judith Ann Robertson was, her age, father, family relations, marriage, and children, while also clarifying the separate life stories that emerge under this name.
Early Life and Background
One of the most documented women named Judith Ann Robertson was born on September 16, 1941, in Dixie, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, United States. She grew up in a family deeply connected to Louisiana roots, with her life story tied closely to the southern traditions of family, faith, and community. Another equally significant woman by this name was born on March 25, 1940, in Oakland, California, and later became well-known in Oregon and Washington state, where she raised a large family and was deeply active in her community.
Though separated by geography, both women’s legacies highlight the strength and devotion that characterized many women of their generation.
Age and Passing
The Louisiana-born Judith Ann Robertson (1941–2006) lived to the age of 64 years old, passing away on June 20, 2006 in Mooringsport, Louisiana. She was buried in Mount Gilead Cemetery in Vivian, Caddo Parish, where many members of her family were also laid to rest.
The California-born Judith Ann Robertson (1940–2024) lived a longer life, reaching 84 years old before her passing on November 28, 2024, in Walla Walla, Washington. Her obituary celebrated a lifetime of resilience, adventure, and love for family, reflecting her many years spent in Oregon, Alaska, and Washington.
Father and Family Origins
For the Louisiana Judith Ann Robertson (1941–2006), her father was James Harold Robertson, and her mother was Merritt Thurman Hale. Together, they raised several children, including Judith’s siblings: James Francis Robertson, Harold Gene Robertson, Thomas Sydney Robertson, and Janice Ellen Robertson. This family structure is well-documented in genealogical databases like FamilySearch, and it paints a picture of a strong southern family network.
For the California-born Judith Ann Robertson (1940–2024), family records show that she grew up with her sister Sandy Shroyer of Pendleton, Oregon. Her broader ancestry ties back to Oakland, California, but her legacy became more closely associated with her life in the Pacific Northwest.
Marriage and Married Life
Marriage was central to both women’s identities, but in very different ways.
- The 1941–2006 Louisiana Judith Ann Robertson married James P. Gimber. Their union brought together two respected family lines in Louisiana, and together they raised children who would continue their family traditions.
- The 1940–2024 Oregon/Washington Judith Ann Robertson married Robert (Bob) Robertson on June 9, 1962. Their marriage spanned over 60 years, a testament to enduring partnership. They built a home full of love and resilience, navigating moves across states, different careers, and the raising of three children.
Children and Descendants
The children of these women continue their legacies in unique ways:
- Children of the Louisiana Judith Ann Robertson (1941–2006): She and James P. Gimber had at least one son, James Prentice “Trey” Gimber III, who carried on the family name.
- Children of the Oregon/Washington Judith Ann Robertson (1940–2024): She and her husband Bob Robertson raised three children: Kelly (Robertson) Gunnels, Rob (Paula) Robertson, and John (Sheri) Robertson. Between them, they brought many grandchildren into the family: Brent, Derek, and Benjamin Gunnels; Kayla Holt; LeAnne Hull; Taylor Robertson; Tyler Grindstaff; Brittney Cody Robertson; and Madeleine Robertson. Great-grandchildren followed, with names like Devyn, Shelby, Landon, Addilyn, Harper, Mary Jane, William, Zander, and Wyatt.
These lineages highlight how the Robertson family branches grew across different parts of America.
Community Involvement and Careers
The Louisiana Judith lived a quieter life tied to family and local traditions. While not heavily documented in public records beyond genealogical notes, her presence within the Robertson family circle was significant.
The Oregon/Washington Judith, by contrast, held more visible community roles. She worked for the City of Milton-Freewater, later joined Les Schwab Tire Centers, and also assisted at her son Rob’s store, Robertson Custom Meat Cutting. Beyond her professional commitments, she was a strong family matriarch, a friend, and an admired member of her neighborhood.
Legacy and Misattributions
The challenge in researching Judith Ann Robertson comes from the confusion of identities. Some blogs, such as WiderWeekly, have even linked her name to the famous Robertson family of Duck Dynasty, though hard genealogical evidence is lacking. This has created myths and cross-attributions, blending two very real women into a single mistaken narrative.
Nevertheless, what stands out is the shared devotion to family, whether in Louisiana or in Oregon. Both women embodied the values of loyalty, love, and perseverance — values that have inspired those who knew them and intrigued researchers seeking to document their lives.
Family Relations in Broader Context
For the Louisiana family, the Robertson bloodline connects back to deep southern roots, with extended siblings and generations building ties across Caddo Parish.
For the Oregon/Washington family, the focus was on building a legacy in the Pacific Northwest. Here, family gatherings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren painted the picture of a vibrant and growing family tree.
These different family paths show that the name Judith Ann Robertson carries weight in multiple parts of the country, each with its own set of stories and relationships.
Why These Stories Matter
In documenting Judith Ann Robertson’s life, one sees how easily online records can blur the lines between individuals. Genealogists, writers, and family members must often disentangle stories, separate obituaries, and carefully match children, spouses, and parents to the correct person.
What makes these women’s lives remarkable, however, is not just the confusion their shared name creates, but the impact they left behind. Both lived lives anchored in faith, family, and resilience. Both raised children who went on to carry their legacy. And both deserve to be remembered as individuals, each with a unique contribution to her family’s history.
Closing Thoughts
The name Judith Ann Robertson may not belong to a single woman, but rather to at least two different women whose stories deserve to be remembered. Whether we are speaking of the Louisiana-born Judith (1941–2006), the devoted wife of James P. Gimber and mother to Trey Gimber, or the California-born Judith (1940–2024), the loving wife of Robert (Bob) Robertson and mother of three, what ties them together is the universal story of family, love, and enduring legacy.
At newslyblogs, we believe in uncovering and clarifying such stories — not only to celebrate lives well lived, but also to preserve them with respect and accuracy for future generations.
