Thank you for being a friendTraveled down a road and back againYour heart is true, you’re a pal and a confidant…
Rita Anne Roberts was born on October 23, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois to Ernest and Mira Stolarz Alvey, who preceded her in death.
Throughout her life, Rita displayed a commitment to her family and friends, devotion to the Church, love for animals and nature and a marvelous sense of humor. Ambitious from early in life, Rita was an avid reader and straight A student while attending St. Columbkille Grammar School and then Holy Name Cathedral High School. She later attended St. Mary of the Woods Convent School to become a sister of providence, eventually graduating from Ohio State University with honors.
Rita wed Woodrow Roberts in 1972 and gave birth to two daughters, Jennifer Roberts and Heather Roberts (Turton). A loving mother, Rita always put family first while remaining active in the community. While raising her two daughters, she was highly involved in her community as a librarian, Sunday school teacher and member of the PTA. She loved volunteer work and was a human advocate, involved with the National Head Injury Foundation and speaking out for the disabled.
Rita moved to Florida in 2001, where she worked as a horticulturalist at the South Seas Resort on Captiva Island for nearly five years before moving near her beloved sister Carole in Saginaw, Texas, where she taught children and immigrants to read. In 2017, Rita moved to Wooster, Ohio, where she spent the final years of her life near her daughter Jennifer.
Rita was predeceased by her loving mother and father, Ernest and Mira Stolarz Alvey; and siblings, Paul Alvey and Linda Alvey Contreraz. She is survived by her children, Jennifer Roberts (Doylestown, Ohio) and Heather (Kyrle) Turton (Orlando, Florida); grandson, KJ Turton (Orlando, Florida); siblings, Carole Alvey (Newark, Texas), Donna Corona (Naperville, Illinois) and Pamela Scavone (Colorado Springs, Colorado); former husband, Woodrow Roberts (Doylestown, Ohio); and dear friend, Mike Todd (Newark, Texas). In her passing, Rita preferred not for services to be held but instead to make the most out of the time she spent during life with the ones closest to her.
A child at heart, Rita could always be counted on to cry during Disney movies and leave cookies and milk for Santa Claus each Christmas. Rita was someone who was there during our happy and sad times, with whom we shared our laughter and shared our tears. We all hold dear those special moments when she made us her homemade blueberry muffins, doted on her grandson and daughters, sang us one of her funny songs, socialized with us during a friendly game of Bingo and laughed with us during episodes of the Golden Girls. She was a one-of-a-kind person who will never be forgotten.
…And if you threw a party
Invited everyone you knew
You would see the biggest gift would be from me
And the card attached would say
Thank for you for being a wonderful mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, neighbor and friend.
Online condolences may be left for the family at https://ritaroberts.virtual-memorials.com/
Memorial Contributions
Service
No funeral services
Visitation
No calling hours
I looked forward to seeing and talking with Rita every morning at the pool. I know her greatest wish was to find a caretaker for Jennifer who would love her like a daughter. She asked for prayers in hope that would happen. She loved her girls and talked of them daily. Be strong Heather and Jennifer, your mom is watching over you and Kyle and KJ, who she loved very much. She never spoke a mean word and was a delight to be around. She brought a smile to my face when she walked in the door. I will miss Rita but I won’t forget her.
I am so sorry. I don’t know what words i can use that will help you. What i can say is that i am here. A mom’s loss . . .well it definitely tugs at the heart. What i do know is this she is always around you, kj, kyrle, and jennifer. She will always find a way to let you know that she walks with you and loving you from a far and watching over you. She loved you guys very much. I am lucky that we could share some moments talking about books or playing a game of words with friends. Love you my friend.
I didn’t know Rita well, but I know her incredible daughter Heather. Rita must have been really special to have such an amazing daughter who is sensitive, accepting, loves with her whole heart, and is so devoted to her family. I’m thankful to be connected with Rita, and I’m thankful for her life, because without her, I wouldn’t have one of my best friends. I will keep all of you in this list in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
I knew Rita here in Saginaw Tx and at church. She was a lovely lovely lady who was soft spoken and always had a smile on her face. Payers for comfort for her family at this time.
My dear Rita,
One of the sweetest and most kind hearted people I have ever met. I will miss our talks and our beautiful friendship. Thank you for all that you taught me and for your unconditional love. I will smile when I think of you because I know you are at peace in heaven.You were so special to me. Love and hugs, Stephanie
I am sadden by this news. I have been trying to reach her all summer and called her today.I was her roommate at South Seas. We were good friends. I sent her a Birthday card,but and she usually calls and thanks me.Have been concern about her. She loved her little dog and her girls.
We shared so much as the 4 amugos…Betty, Maggie, you, and I…im saddened to my core to hear of your passing. I know angels have led you into Paradise…I pray for your family and for all who mourn the loss if your touch in their lives. Rest in the arms of God’s love until for our reunion.