Robbie Witt

Robbie Witt, age 68, of Champaign, IL. passed away December 6, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL.

Robbie was born April 18, 1957, at Jarman Hospital in Tuscola, the daughter of Robert and Frances Witt. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Witt. She married Rick Cross on February 24, 2006. He preceded her in death, passing November 18, 2025.

She is survived by her mother, Frances Witt, her stepchildren, Tiffany Hartman (Chris), Justin Cross (Ashley Stickels), and Amy Cross (Christopher Kempson), and nieces Lauren Moss (Ian Campbell) and Alli Moss (Abby Etheridge). She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Aubrey and Aiden Hartman, and Benjamin and Jack Kempson. Her sister, Becky Witt (Jesse Thomas), survives as well.

Robbie was a lifelong central-Illinois native, having graduated from Unity High School in 1975. Most of her working career was spent at the University of Illinois. She held a variety of positions in various departments, beginning shortly after high school. Her true passion began in 1985 when she began full-time work in what was then Personnel Services. Robbie held a variety of roles in Personnel Services, beginning as a Personnel Assistant. Robbie’s career grew as the department changed names to Staff Human Resources. Through those years, Robbie held roles in several different areas, ultimately serving as Deputy Director beginning in 2006, and finally retiring from Illinois Human Resources in June 2021 as the Director of Classification, Compensation and Records.

Her passion and dedication went beyond job placement. She was a strong advocate for employees and gladly served as a mentor to many. Those who worked with Robbie knew her to be a collaborator, problem-solver and campus partner. She frequently found creative ways to solve problems within rules and policies to accommodate everyone’s best interests. Robbie was known for her institutional knowledge but more importantly she was not someone who hoarded her knowledge. She will be remembered as a trusted colleague and friend to many.

At home, Robbie was loving to her husband, Rick, and their two cats Dom & Dex. Robbie fiercely and completely loved her family: her husband, stepchildren, grandchildren, and nieces. She loved attending school functions, sporting events, chorus and band concerts, dance competitions, and any other events in which they were involved.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 18 from 5-7pm, with a memorial service to follow at Freese Funeral Home, 407 N. Bourne St., Tolono.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at the Carle Cancer Institute, Urbana, Carle Palliative Care and Carle Hospice, and especially all the nursing and care staff of Rogers 8 at Carle Foundation Hospital.

While Robbie loved flowers of all kinds, the family requests memorials be considered to Carle Cancer Institute, Urbana or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

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