Obituaries

Roberta “Birdie” Larison, 78, of Independence, KY, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Rosedale Green Nursing Home. The daughter of the late Irene {Powers} and William West, Birdie was born in Princeton, WV on March 30, 1947. Birdie was the beloved wife of Greg Larison, with whom she shared 62 wonderful years of marriage.

She had a passion for collecting Fire-King glassware and could often be found antiquing in the early morning hours, determined to find the perfect piece before anyone else. Birdie was incredibly crafty and found joy in crocheting and basket weaving, creating many treasured items over the years. In her younger years, she also took great pride in tending to her flower garden.

Birdie’s family will remember the warmth of her kitchen, where she prepared meals and baked her famous chocolate and lemon pies, as well as her pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing. Above all, Birdie cherished her role as “Mawmaw” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved them deeply and showed up for them in every way she could.

She will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Norman “Greg” Larison; children, Donna (Clyde) Cunningham, Lisa Larison, and Greg (Meredith) Larison; siblings, Pete (Billie) Pennington, Jim (Linda) Pennington, and Brenda (the late Richard) Smith; grandchildren, Heather (Brett) Wagner, Melissa (Keith) Goff, Bradley Knochel, Erin Martin, Jeremy (Kait) Martin, Hannah Martin, McKenna (Mike) Coleman, Danielle (Christian) Hook, and Coleman (Meagan) Larison; and great-grandchildren, Henry, Andrew and Emma Wagner, Easton and Adalynn Goff, Caroline Coleman, and Riley Bea Larison.

In addition to her parents, Birdie was preceded in death by her brothers Eric West and Earl “Corky” Pennington.

A private family service will be held for Birdie, and she will be laid to rest at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to One Quest Health, formerly the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky. Donations may be made online by clicking here.