Memorial services for Rita will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Butch Roark. She is survived by her children, David Shaner and Rita Russell; 3 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Rita was a retired nurse and will be remembered as a compassionate person who helped so many during their own heartbreak and pain. She was a gifted artist who enjoyed china painting and canvas painting. Rita also loved poetry, traveling, reading, and tending to her beautiful garden. She leaves behind her dearest friends, Carol Wykoff and husband Joe and Anna Mae “Mazzie” Taylor.Memorials may be made to Humane Society or Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.