Roberta Ruth Semonski “Rusty”, age 88, of Hackettstown died Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, Hackettstown, NJ. Roberta was born December 7, 1937 in Netcong, NJ to the late Ernest and Elsie (Baxter) Batson. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband Joseph Semonski, her daughter, Valarie Riedel, her brother, Malcolm Batson and her sister Elaine Allen.
Rusty was raised in Netcong, NJ. As a young woman, she became a model, tap dancer and singer. She met and married Joseph Semonski when she was 17 years old. They became local musicians for years. Rusty entertained with her beautiful voice and Joe played the accordion along with other musicians in the band. Joe and Rusty raised six girls in Great Meadows, NJ that all inherited singing voices from their mother. The girls eventually became regulars with the Lawrence Welk Show for three years and Rusty was often seen on the show dancing with Mr. Welk. He often said that Rusty was his favorite polka dancer. She always loved cooking, taking care of her family and enjoyed being a homemaker. She cherished not only her daughters but her grandchildren and great children as well. She was an incredible woman who lead an incredible life.
Rusty is survived by her five daughters, Diane Esparza and companion Robert, Donna Bauer and husband Wayne, Joanne O’Brien and husband James, Audrey Altemose and husband David and Michelle Wiswall and husband Donald, 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Friday May 1, 2026 from 10 am – 11:30 am with services beginning at 11:30 am sunder the direction of Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ. Burial will be Private in Pequest Union Cemetery, Great Meadows.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial & Honor Program, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942 in memory of “Rusty”.
7 Condolences for Semonski, Roberta Ruth “Rusty”
Condolences(7)
Eddie meeker says
April 29, 2026 at 9:26 pmI offer my condolences to the entire Semonski and extended families… Theirs a place in heaven for everyone…Until we meet again…..
Joy Snyder says
April 30, 2026 at 12:47 pmSo very saddened to learn of the passing of “Rusty”…Longtime friend with fond memories of her and Joe and family entertaining us over the years and just being a “townie” who always had time to stop and chat whenever you saw her out and about in town. My Sincere Sympathy to the entire Semonski family…Joy Snyder (Mrs. Lester)…
Bob Radmore 11 says
April 30, 2026 at 6:04 pmSending prayers to the Semonski Sisters and their families during this difficult time.
Michael Bezney says
May 1, 2026 at 1:31 amRusty, Joe, John and all the Semonski sisters were great musicians. I remember going to their restaurant in Hawley Pa. and hear Diane sing and Michell. Rusty’s husband Joe sold me my first accordion (Tempo Music) and I played the accordion for many years. Both Rusty and Joe were good friends of my Father and Mother who are deceased. I still have the 45 record of Joe Playing the accordion and Rusty Sing have another beer boys’ polka. Such great musicians Every so often I still sing that tune to myself. I live in Wharton and I am a friend of the Smith Family and Valerie Kapral. I know Diane and Mitchell would recognize me if the saw me. I remember when Mitchel would sing with Pat Booths would play the drums and JOE would play the accordion with him Playing wipe out. God Bless the Semonski family and remember that your Parents are now Playing and singing in God’s Dance Hall. Diane or Michell if you would like to chat I can be reached at 973-366-6288
Sharon Schlomer Housel & Pat says
May 4, 2026 at 12:33 pmTo all whose hearts were touched by the loss of your loved one. Our sincere condolences to all.
David D Bryk says
May 5, 2026 at 9:58 pmMy deepest sympathy to Diane and your family. Treasure the happy memories your Mom will forever be a part of you as you are a part of here ❤️
Sincerely
David Bryk
Debbie says
May 18, 2026 at 6:24 pmI am very sorry to hear of the passing of Rusty. I enjoyed talking with her when she would come into our office with Mr Robert Bodine. I loved hearing of her life stories. May she rest in the sweetest peace.
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