Rita Jane (Block) Roach of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the age of 76. She was born December 6, 1948, the daughter of Melzie and Dorothy (Johnson) Block.
Mrs. Roach worked at Brown Jordan for many years as a painter and chair lacquerer. She later went to work as a clerk at Exxon until her retirement. Mrs. Roach was a devoted and active member of Holden Avenue Church of Christ and was in attendance every time the doors were open.
Mrs. Roach, who was best known as “Nana”, enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles and watching wrestling, whether it was on TV or in person at a show. Her greatest joy in life was the time she spent with her family and church family. Mrs. Roach loved joining her daughter on trips to flea markets, yard sales, and to Goodwill for a day of thrifting. She also loved to go on rides in her truck with her grandson, Cody. Mrs. Roach loved and adored her cat, Bebe. Mrs. Roach will be remembered for having never met a stranger.
Mrs. Roach is preceded in death by her ex-husband, William Ray Kellems; her husband, Johnny Roach; her boyfriend, Thomas Britt; two brothers, Melvin Block and Dean Block; and her parents.
She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Davis and husband, Donald, of Newport; a brother Elmo Block, of Balch Springs, Texas; two grandchildren, Brittney Davis Rodgers and husband, Jamerius, and Cody Gray Davis and girlfriend, Maci Hembrey; one great grandson, Elijah Rodgers; and a host of family and friends.
Friends may visit at Jackson’s Funeral Home on Monday evening, April 21, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Jackson’s Funeral Home Chapel, with Mr. Ralph Emery and Mr. Ryan Wilson officiating. Interment will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Dalton Phillips, Ryan Wilson, Justin Rodgers, Larry Palmer, Dennis Kellems, and Jason Tubbs. Honorary pallbearers are Roger Williams and Sammy Johns.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
