Rita Deroeck

Rita R. DeRoeck, 77, of Jonesboro went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 28th, 2016 at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.

Rita was born November 13, 1938 in Evanston Illinois to Raymond and Josephine Petersen. She resided in Jonesboro for the last forty years.

Rita’s love for dancing introduced her to her husband, Roger who she was married to for 57 years.

She spent many years using her skills hanging wallpaper for area residents. After retiring from wallpapering she focused her attention on managing properties they owned in Jonesboro.

Rita was a hard working, energetic, outgoing person who enjoyed helping other people. She volunteered at St. Bernard’s Auxiliary for 27 years in the gift shop as well as the Senior Life Center. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church where she volunteered for many events.

She is preceded in death by her parents and a sister Arlene Jahnke.

Rita is survived by her husband Roger DeRoeck and four children: Roger Jr. (Melinda) of Austin, Texas, Ricky of Jonesboro, Randy of Pflugerville, Texas and Robin (Eddie) of Pflugerville, Texas. Her 2 siblings Joanne Satiro of Holmes Beach, Florida and Raymond (Linda) Petersen of Chino Valley, Arizona.
6 grandchildren Jennifer (Stephen) Schoenradt, David DeRoeck, Olivia DeRoeck, Marlena (Chris) Jones, Sabrina, (Matt) Smulski, Marcos Diaz and 5 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at Blessed Sacrament Church with Rev. Father Alphonse Gollapalli officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery under the direction of Emerson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to Blessed Sacrament School, 604 South Church Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401 or Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 East Matthews, Jonesboro, AR 72401.