Rita Marie Roach

Rita Marie, 82, born December 27, 1928 in Kansas City, died at home in Oklahoma City, March 20, 2011. She met George F. Roach on a blind double date set up by her only sister, Dorothy. Rita and George married in 1948 and had four children Jim, John, Patrick, and Nora. The family lived in Shawnee Mission, Kansas; Memphis, Tennessee; Tampa, Florida, and Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1963, they moved to Oklahoma City. Rita was a full time homemaker until the youngest child was in school. She then worked as a licensed Realtor with Korn Realty. Later, she worked part time for the Hertz Data Center. Rita enjoyed following Candlewood Racing Team, which included her son Patrick, and both of his children. She was actively involved in the Catholic Church throughout her life. She also volunteered as a driver for Mobile Meals for St. Charles. She always enjoyed talking with people, and sharing stories. She was always there to help. Rita was preceded in death by her husband George, her son Patrick, and her dear friend Father John Walch. Survivors include her sister Dorothy McNamara of Lee's Summit, Missouri; children James P. Roach (Kay) of Stafford, Virginia; John F. Roach (Darla) of Oklahoma City, Nora M. Shelton (Pete) of Haleiwa, Hawaii; Deborah K. Roach, widow of the late Patrick J. Roach of Oklahoma City; eight grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. Friends may call at Smith & Kernke, N. May Ave. on Friday, March 25, 2011; with Rosary at 7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. As Rita always said, "Let us celebrate the life, not mourn the death."