Rita Joyce Roberts

Rita Joyce Roberts, age 85, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, was a beacon of strength, resilience, and kindness. She was born on April 30, 1940, in Sidney, Ohio, and passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, at her home in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, surrounded by her loving family.

Rita cherished her life with her husband, Arthur, and carried her love for him always. She had a playful sense of humor that brought smiles to everyone around her. Her laughter and love will be deeply missed.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Roberts, in 2014; her daughter, Laura Jean Rubino (Joe); her son, Douglas Wayne Roberts; her great-grandson, Jaxon Keener; her parents, Russell Thomas and Florence Reed Van Schuyver; and her siblings, Larry Thomas, Judy Atwell, Barbara Foster, Terri Lucas, and Jerri Lucas.

She is survived by her loving daughters: Sandra Lee Strickland (Dwayne), Karen Ann Churchill (Fred), Catherine Ellen Shoobridge (Bill), Nancy Irene Harris (John), and Barbara Elaine Roberts. She is also survived by her grandchildren: LaDonna Raymond (Chris), Arthur Keener (Jaime), Tim Keener, Dwayne Strickland, Cassandra Duncan (James), Joey Rubino, and Jenifer Harris; her sister, Diane Billbury; and her seven great-granddaughters: Robin Bussell, Bea Angela Bussell, Lexi Keener, Gabby Duncan, Aisa Stewart, Remi Raymond, and Sassy Strickland.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home.

Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, also at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at Gray Cemetery in Gray, Kentucky.

Messages may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com