Rita Carol Roberts

Rita Carol (Flynn) Roberts, MSgt USAF retired, 71, of Bettendorf, IA, went to be with Jesus Friday, March 13, 2026. Visitation is Monday, March 23, 2026, 4:00-6:00 pm at Weerts Funeral Home, Davenport, IA. Funeral will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Bridge Cities Church, Bettendorf, IA, followed by the burial at Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island at 12:00 noon.

Rita was born June 14, 1954, in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Lawrence George Flynn and Lucille Marie (Ihrig) Flynn. She was a class of 1972 graduate of North Scott High School and held several jobs before entering the United States Air Force where she continued a twenty-year career before retiring in 1994. During this time, she met and married Gerald “Lee” Roberts on November 7, 1975. Together they had one son, Joshua Roberts, while stationed in California.

Rita was one of the first women to enter the B-1B Maintenance crews at Edwards Air Force Base. Her military career ended at Grand Forks AFB. After returning to Iowa, she continued her education at Scott Community College where she earned her Associate Degree, then while working at Oscar Mayer/Heinz Kraft, she earned her BA from Hamilton Technical College. While at Oscar Mayer, after working in many areas, she advanced to the Finance Department before retiring. She gained and loved many friends during this time.

Rita continued to contribute to her community by working in child care at churches and Sunday School and Bible Studies. She loved serving at church in kids’ ministry and investing and helping in the lives of children and was known as “Miss Rita” to many. Her child care devotion led her to the employment as a nanny for Levi and Julianna, the children of CJ and Janessa Ormsby, an adopted family who she loved and was loved by them.

She was a member of Bridge Cities Church, Bettendorf, IA and the VFW Davenport. She was exceptionally proud of her military service which was highlighted by an Honor Flight to see the Women’s Memorial and others. She loved to shop, was a wonderful dog mom, and enjoyed cooking and decorating for every holiday. Her interests included casino trips, bingo, concerts, the Chicago Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. She was also a member of the DeWitt Monday Women’s Bowling League. Her greatest passions were her faith in Jesus and being a loving mother and grandmother to her son, Joshua, daughter-in-law, Rosemary, and granddaughter Ruthie. She was also a loving aunt who made all her nephews and nieces feel they were her favorite.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gerald “Lee” Roberts; brothers Ronnie Flynn and Joe Flynn; brother-in-laws Jack McCutcheon and John Justice.

She is survived by her son Joshua (Rosemary) Roberts, Bettendorf; Granddaughter, Ruth; Sisters Connie Justice, Rock Island, and Suzanne McCutcheon, Bettendorf; Stepsons Terry and Billy Roberts; and Uncle Thomas and Aunt Eleanore Flynn, Centennial CO; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews and their families.

Rita was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her special talent was buying the most thoughtful gifts which made memories to last a lifetime. She, herself, was a genuine gift to all who knew her, and she will be truly missed but always remembered.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you please donate to Bridge Cities Church Kids/Youth Ministry which Rita cherished.