of Conway, AR
October 18, 1949 - May 3, 2016
Dorbetha Rhea, 66, of Conway, AR, passed away in her home on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 from complications of ALS. She was born to James Martin Rhea and Ruth Juanita Thompson Rhea in Conway on October 18, 1949. She was retired from FMC Corporation and the City of Conway. Dee was known by her family and friends as a selfless giver with a keen zest for life.
Growing up in Vilonia, where her mother instilled a love of baking, Dorbetha followed exact recipes, mixing by hand with her mother's wooden spoon, and delighted in the joy brought to others with every perfect bite.
A lover of travel, Dorbetha's favorite places included Argentina, Washington D.C., San Francisco, St. Thomas, and Hawaii-a suitcase topped off with a good crime-thriller and she was ready to go. But most of all, Dee loved spreading joy and was known to bring flowers and a smile, or a sweet treat, to anyone she thought lonely or tired, or at times for no reason at all.
She loved giving unexpected gifts, especially to her nephew, Michael, whom she spoiled like he was her own. Dorbetha dearly loved her pet Sheltie, Max, and with that sentiment has requested in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Faulkner County Humane Society.
Dorbetha was preceded in death by her parents and by a brother, Getulio Cranston Rhea and is survived by a sister, Lileha Rhea, and two brothers, James Leslie Rhea and Gary Stephen Rhea. Per her wishes, a private interment will follow cremation.
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14 Condolence(s)
Theresa Nahlen
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
It was a pleasure to know Dee. She always had a positive attitude.
Dena Hall
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
My sympathy to the family. I know Dee was close to all of you, and I remember when Michael was very small. She was so proud of him and loved him so much. I lost touch with her after she left FMC, but remember her kind and respectful spirit. She was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. May she rest in peace where ALS doesn't exist...
Jean Mize
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Dear Rhea family, I am so sorry for your terrible loss. Memories we shared as neighbors seem like yesterday and bring much joy. It's hard to believe one is absent from those memories. Our prayers are with your entire family. We love you all.
Robin Longing
Monday, May 9, 2016
I also worked with Dee at FMC. Such a sweet person. May she rest in peace. Prayers for all who loved her.
Bryan Patrick
Friday, May 6, 2016
Lileha,
We're so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember quite a few cakes and goodies baked by your sister for us in the Planning Department. Praying for you and your family.
Bryan
Chief Jody Spradlin
Friday, May 6, 2016
Our deepest sympathy,
from your Conway PD family. I always remembered Ms Dee as being very respectful in the workplace. She quietly worked and got things done as they needed to be done. She took great pride in her work and was a great representative of our department. Our prayers are with your family.
Conway Police Department
Chief Jody Spradlin
Friday, May 6, 2016
Our deepest sympathy,
from your Conway PD family. I always remembered Ms Dee as being very respectful in the workplace. She quietly worked and got things done as they needed to be done. She took great pride in her work and was a great representative of our department. Our prayers are with your family.
Conway Police Department
Judi Cardin
Thursday, May 5, 2016
I worked with Dorbetha at FMC for a lot of years. But what I'll always remember her for is when she was working at the Conway Police Department. I went in to make a report about my stolen purse, I was distracted, Dee came to the window & said "are you here to turn yourself in". I will never forget it. Rest in peace Dee
Jean Zopolos
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Deepest sympathy for your loss. I remember Dorbetha well from FMC where she went about doing her job in her quiet, efficient and upbeat manner. She was one heck of a good softball player too. Many good memories from that as well. May God be with you during this time of grieving and time of celebrating Dorbetha's life. Prayers for the family.
Janice Cullum
Thursday, May 5, 2016
I have many happy memories of working with Dorbetha. I am so sorry for your loss.
Paulette Bryant
Thursday, May 5, 2016
The family is in my prayers and thoughts. I worked with Dorbetha at FMC. So sorry.
charlotte troutman
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Dorbetha was such a kind person and good friend. Always willing to help. And boy could she bake a cake and some cookies. Prayers for her family.
Karen Davis
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss ! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! I am in shock to hear about Dorbetha passing away !
I worked with Dee at FMC/Snapon for many years! We lost track of
each other after she retired ! I have wonderful memories of Dee especially how great a baker she was ! She could make the best cakes ! She will be missed !
Karen Ragan Davis
DALE (YOUNG) YARBERRY
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Dorbetha and I were classmates in Vilonia Middle School in the sixties, and rode the same school bus. I have fond memories of her, her late brother, Getulio and her older sister.
RIP Dorbetha!