Roberta Jean (Shull-Rippel) Ford, age 97, was promoted to glory at her home surrounded by her loving family on August 17, 2025. Born March 13, 1928, in Dover, Ohio, she was a daughter to the late Robert and Hattie (Tschantz) Shull Sr.

Roberta "Bertie" was a beloved and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She helped to support her family as a seamstress for many, including John J. Carroll Department Store in Newark. She was known throughout the community as a skilled upholsterer and provided many with prom and wedding dresses, even making the mascot for Lincon Jr. High School. She was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church of Newark, the United Methodist Women, and Ruth Circle. She also joined the Salvation Army Church of Newark. She was a member of the Heath Eagles women's auxiliary, serving as President and Chaplain.

Roberta is survived by her children, Janet (Daneil) Hughes of Newark, Marsha (Robert) Pfeifer of Newark, David Ford of St. Louisville, and Kris (Carrie) Ford of Thornville. She is also survived by cousins, numerous nieces, nephews; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren with descendants numbering over 150, who knew and loved her deeply!

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Ralph D. Ford of Newark; brothers, Thomas Ayers and Robert Shull Jr,; sisters, Virginia Jamison, Evelyn Ditto, Arlene Stanton, and Shirley Shull; children, Jaunita Jo Rippel, Patricia Ford, Stanley Rippel, Steve Ford, Douglas Ford; daughter-in-law, Lisa Ford; granddaughter, Marsha Ann Rippel.

Roberta had a strong faith in the Lord, and firmly abided by her mother's words after the loss of daughter, Juanita "You have to live for the living!" She lived purely and whole heartedly for her family! She made numerous hand-crafted outfits, costumes, and gifts for her family and loved ones. She enjoyed painting ceramics, playing games like Dominos, Uno, Skip-bo, blowing bubbles with the kids in the yard, and working jigsaw puzzles with her family and friends. She also enjoyed crocheting, working word searches, and coloring. She read for her own enjoyment as well as to her grandchildren. She enjoyed listening to Polka music and dancing. She loved listening to her nephew play the street organ, taking a turn at playing it herself, and always stopping to let the children turn the handle.

She will be missed for so many beautiful memories, taffy pulls, Sunday Lasagna dinners, and her famous Heavenly rice and chip dip!

When we finally make it to Heaven, we will find her swinging on her porch swing in her bare feet, sliding over for us to join her!

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, beginning at 10:30 am at the Church of Christ, 179 O'Bannon Avenue Newark, Ohio 43055, Pastor Brandon Moore officiating, a luncheon will be provided by the church immediately following. Interment to be determined at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Roberta's memory may be made to the Salvation Army of Newark, to be used specifically to purchase Christmas gifts for the children of Licking County.