Arita Roehling

(From Parker Mortuary)

Arita Roehling, 103, passed away Friday night September 11, 2015, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin.

She was born April 20, 1912 to the late William Claude and Eula Parker Mock in rural Barton County. She moved to Joplin in 1924.

She was a graduate of Joplin High School in 1929, and was a bookkeeper for several businesses in her lifetime.

She married Ord H. Roehling on March 28, 1934. He passed away on October 28, 1995.

She was baptized in the South Joplin Christian Church in 1924, making her the oldest member in terms of length of membership. She was church Librarian for many years and Elder Emeritus, serving her church in any way that she could.

She was a past president and honorary life member of Freeman Health Systems Auxiliary, serving in many capacities, the last being chairman of the knitted caps for cancer patients. She was the first recipient of the Auxiliary's Pink Award. She and her husband were nominees for Freeman's Excellence in Medicine Award.

She also was a recipient of Missouri Lieutenant Governor's Senior Service Award in 2012.

She is survived by one son, Dr. William (Donna) Roehling of the home; and two nephews, Norman (Bev) Fretwell, Parkville and John Fretwell, Loma Linda; and many extended family and friends.

Services will be on Wednesday, September 16, at 2:00 p.m. at the South Joplin Christian Church with burial to follow at the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday at the church from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.

Donations may be made to the Library Fund of South Joplin Christian Church or Freeman Health Systems Auxiliary.