Robin Acree believed that everyone deserved a voice. She spent her life making sure they had one.

Fearless in her convictions and devoted in her compassion, Robin stood firmly for what she believed in. She was never afraid to challenge injustice, speak truth to those in power, or fight for someone who couldn't fight for themselves. If Robin had something to say, chances are everyone in the room was going to hear it—and they were better for it. Robin passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, at the age of 65, surrounded by the love of her family.

Robin was born on October 7, 1960, in Mexico, Missouri, to Donald and Hazel Roberts. She believed ordinary people could accomplish extraordinary things when they stood together, and she devoted her life to turning that belief into action.

As one of the co-founders of GRO – Grass Roots Organizing, Robin helped build more than an organization—she helped build a movement. Serving as Executive Director, she spent years standing beside working families, championing affordable healthcare and access to health insurance, and ensuring those who felt unheard had someone fighting for them. She never measured success by titles or recognition, but by the lives she changed, the voices she empowered, and the hope she inspired.

Although recognition was never her goal, Robin's extraordinary leadership earned her the 2005 Leadership for a Changing World Award from the Ford Foundation and the 2011 Hershel Walker Peace and Justice Award. To Robin, however, the greatest reward was never an award, it was knowing she had made a difference in someone's life.

To her grandchildren, she was lovingly known as Grandma Scooby Doo. Before long, people who weren't family lovingly called her Scooby Doo as well. It wasn't simply a nickname—it reflected the warmth, laughter, and unconditional love she shared so freely. While Robin touched lives across Missouri through her work, her greatest joy was found with her family. She cherished every opportunity to be together, especially the family camping trips that became the beloved tradition known as “Camp Scooby Doo”. Around the campfire, stories were shared, and memories were made that will be treasured for generations. She also found peace working with her flowers and working in her yard, fixing up her camper, or getting steps in walking through the neighborhood - usually with a Mountain Dew in one hand and her sunglasses perched on top of her head!

Robin is survived by her mother, Hazel Roberts, of Mexico, Missouri; her daughter, Brandi Williams (Antonio), of Mexico, Missouri; her daughter, Monica Acree (Jamaro), of Columbia, Missouri; her son, Daniel Acree, of Mexico, Missouri; her nine cherished grandchildren, Ian Williams, Jiles Williams, Chandler Bradley, E. K. Acree, Elsie Acree, Arion Williams, Tony Williams, Daylon Mattox, and Brendan Williams; her sister, Lorrie Gonterman (Byron), of Kansas City, Missouri; her brother, Fred Roberts (Margy),
of Dumfries, Virginia; her aunt, Debbie Jenkins, of Mexico, Missouri; her uncle, Loyd Jenkins, of Tyler, Texas, her uncle, Larry Roberts, of Kansas City, Missouri; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, cherished friends, colleagues, and the countless
people whose lives she touched. Robin was preceded in death by her father, Donald Roberts; her brothers, Brian Roberts
and Owen Roberts; and other beloved family members.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 26, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until the memorial service begins at 2:00 p.m. at Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico, Missouri.

If Robin taught us anything, it was that one voice truly can make a difference. We can think of no better way to honor her life than to care for one another, stand up for those who need a voice, cherish the traditions she created, and continue "Fightin’ Injustice
Dontcha Know."

Lorrie Gonterman (Byron), of Kansas City, Missouri; her brother, Fred Roberts (Margy), of Dumfries, Virginia; her aunt, Debbie Jenkins, of Mexico, Missouri; her uncle, Loyd Jenkins, of Tyler, Texas, her uncle, Larry Roberts, of Kansas City, Missouri; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, cherished friends, colleagues, and the countless people whose lives she touched.Robin was preceded in death by her father, Donald Roberts; her brothers, Brian Roberts and Owen Roberts; and other beloved family members.Visitation will be held Friday, June 26, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until the memorial service begins at 2:00 p.m. at Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico, Missouri.If Robin taught us anything, it was that one voice truly can make a difference. We can think of no better way to honor her life than to care for one another, stand up for those who need a voice, cherish the traditions she created, and continue "Fightin’ Injustice Dontcha Know."