of England, AR
August 21, 1943 - August 14, 2024
Joanita (Joan) Philomena Vonder Heide Roper (80) of England, Arkansas passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on August 14, 2024.
Joan was born August 21, 1943 in Subiaco, Arkansas to her parents, Edward and Clara Vonder Heide. She worked for the England School District for 21 years and as a bookkeeper for Holy Trinity Catholic Church and England Country Club. She also volunteered at Christ Corner. Joan enjoyed planning big family holidays and gatherings at the lake which always included elaborate and creative games that she designed. Her children and grandchildren have and will continue her legacy of making memories by creating fun games for family gatherings.
She married her beloved husband, Orlan Roper in 1964 and they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. They raised four loving children, Jill Curran (Geoffrey), Trudy Garner (Gerald), Britt Roper (Amy) and Michael Roper (Jenna). She was Grams to nine grandchildren, Tyke (Hayley), Drake (Jessica), Alex (Chelsee), Ned, Eric (Savanna), Timber (Bryce), Nicholas, Joe and Bethany and six great-grandchildren, Haydenn, Caysen, Brightan, McKinley, Novalee, Reed and little Orlan any day now. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Dorothy and her brother, Charles.
A rosary for Joan will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1240 AR Highway 161 W in England, Arkansas followed by a visitation at Roller-England Funeral Home at 3:00 PM. Graveside service will be held the following day at 3:00 PM Sunday, August 25, 2024 at St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery in Subiaco, Arkansas.
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13 Condolence(s)
Kathleen Keller
Sunday, September 1, 2024
My condolences. My memories go back to 60+ years ago, but still are fond ones of Joanita.
Susan Blackstock
Friday, August 23, 2024
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I was wondering if she was kin to any Roper’s from Scranton Ar.. My grandparents were James and Velma Roper. Their children were, Doris, Loren, Jerry, Gary and Ricky Roper. James ( My Pawpaw) his brothers were Clyde, and Farris Roper and they had 2 sisters-Sybil & Annie. Just curious. Again I’m so very sorry for the loss of your loved one. May God Bless and comfort you all.
Sharon ( Woodward ) Beard
Friday, August 23, 2024
Thoughts and Prayers for all of the family and friends . All of the messages here shows she must have been a great lovely lady . Gods Blesses to you .
Rod Rockwell
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
I’m so sorry for your lost
This community has lost a sweet lady and will be missed
Love you guys and prayers for the family
Roger and Carla Barnett
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss.
We continue to pray for comfort for Orlan and the family.
Larry Roper
Monday, August 19, 2024
She always filled the room with grace. She gave us Roper’s class! My brother made the right choice marrying you. Love always.
Jo Ann Zimmer Wardein
Saturday, August 17, 2024
I am so saddened that Joan is gone, and that I will be in Minnesota during her send-off! I would have loved to say “good-bye” in person, as well as seeing all of you. Joan was my closest- in-age cousin, my playmate at the laundry, my hand-me-down clothes person.
I know you will all miss her terribly, and my heart aches for you. You have such a wonderful legacy, fun memories, and I’m sure her love will sustain you.
Sending big hugs, much love, and many prayers!
Lee Ann Powell
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Mrs. Joan was such a sweetheart. Always good to our children. She valued her faith and family above all. Prayers for her loved ones.
Angel & David Cloninger
Friday, August 16, 2024
So very sorry for the loss to of Mrs. Joan. Y’all are in our prayers.
Love y’all
Angel & David Cloninger
Friday, August 16, 2024
So very sorry for your loss.
Yall are in our prayers!
Love y’all
Angelica Trotter (Roper)
Friday, August 16, 2024
I love you, aunt Joan and I love you too Uncle Orlan and all my cousins!!
Frankie Frisco
Friday, August 16, 2024
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Roper and the family for about 50 years. She and the entire Roper clan were always very nice to me and my family. My condolences to Mr. Roper, Jill, Trudy, Britt, Michael and the remainder of the family on the loss of a very good woman.
Dianne Robinson
Friday, August 16, 2024
Please accept our sincere sympathy to all of her family and friends. Our thoughts are with all of you during this time.
Dianne Robinson
Karen Robinson-Lindsey & family.