Robena Eppler

Robena Lee Eppler, 89 of Lubbock, TX passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016. She was born in Oklahoma City, OK on May 6th, 1926, the only child of Wilfred Leslie Dalgety and Elizabeth (Barnes) Dalgety. She spent her childhood in Oklahoma City, growing up in her parent's florist shop. Her parents moved to California to work in the shipyards and Robena stayed behind in Oklahoma to finish her senior year of high school, living with a friend and her family during that time. She remained in Oklahoma City after graduation, and worked in the management office of a large department store where she eventually met Jim Eppler from the shoe department. Robena married James D. Eppler on June 27th, 1948 in Oklahoma City.

The couple lived in New York City, Arizona and different parts of Texas until Jim finally moved the family to Lubbock in the early 60’s to accept a management position at Hemphill Wells Department Store. The family were members of First United Methodist Church since their earliest days in Lubbock and Robena and Jim were long-time members of the Homebuilders Class. They were also members of the Lubbock Club, the Knife and Fork Club and participated in many other cultural events. Jim was active in many civic organizations, while Robena spent the early years at home with the children, yet was also active in various women’s groups, bible studies and bridge clubs, enjoyed home decorating and working with all kinds of crafts. When Jim retired from Hemphill Wells the couple opened Eppler’s Fine Cosmetics and Fashion Accessories and ran the business together for many years until their retirement. Jim passed in 2007 and Robena stayed involved in the community with her various bridge clubs and study groups until moving into the Phoenix House almost two years ago.

Robena is survived by the couple’s four children; Jim Eppler (and Beckie Bass), Dave (and Colleen) Eppler, Kim (and Brian) Felty, all of Lubbock, and Tom Eppler of Dallas, as well as seven grandchildren, Grayson (and Nawal) Bass and Jordan Bass, James (and Lori) Eppler, Andrew (and Jessica) Eppler and Elizabeth (and Louque) Anderson, Kathleen Felty and Will Felty , and three great grandchildren, Ali, Lulu and Roy Bass and Jameson Eppler.