Rita Ann Roper
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Rita's obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rita Ann Roper, a beloved mother, grandmother and friend, whose warmth, strength, and zest for life inspired all those who knew her. She passed away peacefully on February 21, 2023, at the age of 77, surrounded by loved ones, after a life well-lived.
Rita was predeceased by her parents, Tressialea and Frank Garland, her brother Ron Garland, and her husband, Ronald Roper. She is survived by her children, Tricia Jones of Newmarket, NH, and Randy Malmquist of Chandler, Arizona, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Britton and Reece Jones of Newmarket, NH, and her niece Laurie Garland of Park City, UT.
As per Rita's wishes, a private memorial ceremony will be held in Sedona, AZ, where her family will celebrate her remarkable life and legacy.
Born in 1945 in Pontiac, IL, Rita was a radiant force of nature from an early age. Despite losing her hearing at a young age, she refused to let that stop her from pursuing her passion for helping people. With an artist's eye and a loving heart, she became a licensed hair stylist and opened her own salon, Rita's Rendezvous, in Pontiac, IL, where she was a beacon of warmth and hospitality for her many clients.
In 1982, Rita moved with her family to Chandler, AZ, where she brought her passion for excellence to her work in accounts payable and finance for local companies such as McDonnell Douglas and JP Morgan Chase. Later, she left the corporate world to become a devoted caregiver for her second husband, Ron Roper, who suffered from Multiple Sclerosis. Rita was a fierce advocate for people with disabilities, and served as the President of SHHH (Self Help for the Hard of Hearing) for many years, inspiring others to fight for their rights and their dignity.
Rita was a woman of boundless energy and generosity, always eager to share her love and her talents with those around her. She found her greatest joy in baking for her friends and family, crafting mouth-watering goodies that were as beautiful as they were delicious.
Rita cherished her family above all, and was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother who gave her all to those she loved. She was a bright light in the lives of everyone she touched, and her legacy will live on through the memories of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.
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Hello, here is the poem I wrote and read during Rita's memorial:
Being a mother is never easy although she made it look…
Hello, here is the poem I wrote and read during Rita's memorial:
Being a mother is never easy altho…
Hello, here is the poem I wrote and read during Rita's memorial…
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