Roberta Greenwood Obituary

Roberta Greenwood PhD, professor at Shandong University of Qingdao Jimo, China, died the morning of September 10, 2024. She was 58.
Robbi was born in Grangeville, Idaho on November 15, 1965 to William and Marsha Greenwood where she completed her schooling through high school. During these years, the family would often travel across Canada and the United States with favorite camping spots closer to home at Seven Devils campgrounds.
She always loved those mountains!
Robbi was the valedictorian of her high school class of 1984. After high school, Robbi attended the University of Idaho for one year. She then transferred to Washington State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with honors in 1988. Next, she completed a Doctorate degree in Genetics in 1996 at University of Wisconsin Madison followed shortly by a post-doctorate in Immunology at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
From an early age, Robbi knew that she would get her degree in genetics, and she had a particular interest in teaching. She also had a desire to share her love of people with those living overseas. So, it was little surprise when she began to teach in China and paid special attention to her students. She worked diligently to see they were able to understand complex subjects despite the language gap. She loved to invest time, energy, and resources in mentoring those who showed interest in learning more. Anyone who knew Robbi could see that love and joy the moment she smiled.
Robbi enjoyed traveling and visiting her friends and family around the United States. She also traveled with friends to Europe, Israel, Belize, Laos, and Russia. Robbi most especially loved Jesus, and we look forward to seeing her again someday when we meet her in heaven.
Robbi is survived by her brother, Douglas Greenwood (Laura) of Michigan, her sister, Gayle Thostenson (Andrew) of North Dakota, and numerous "neicews" (Robbi's word for nephews and nieces) whom she adored.
Memorials can be made to Global Scholars, World Vision, or Grangeville Christian Reformed Church (PO Box 684, Grangeville, ID 83530).
The family plans a private burial service in August at the Prairie ViewCemetery in Grangeville, ID.
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