Rita I. Roberts

Montville — Rita I. Roberts passed away after complications from a brief illness Jan. 16, 2021. Born in Killingly to Arthur and Irene (LeClaire) Roberts.

She was predeceased by her two sisters, Irene Roberts, Jeannette Semmelrock; her three brothers, Albert, Roland and Tom Roberts; and a nephew Jim Semmelrock.

After growing up in Willimantic she moved to Ohio for 28 years, then returned to Connecticut and has lived in Montville for the past 20-plus years. Her working career led to a few manufacturing facilities and managing a few gas stations. Rita partially retired in her 70s and chose to work for Walmart in Norwich and Waterford, where she started as a customer greeter and then moved to the photo department, which gave her the opportunity to meet many interesting people and made numerous new friends. Rita also enjoyed training her pups Cherokee, Garcon and Sweet Pea and participated in some agility training with them. She was an active member of the Montville Senior Center and a senior bowler at Norwich Ten Pin, which enabled her to also meet new people and dear friends.

“Sugar,” as she was known by some, leaves many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and adopted family and friends who would look in on her and visit, which she greatly appreciated.

Church and Allen Funeral home of Norwich is in charge of arrangements and a graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 815 Boswell Ave., Norwich. In lieu of flowers please donate to a local animal shelter in her name. Social distancing and face masks are asked to be worn.