Roberta (Rieman) Hastings Britton passed away January 26, 2009 at 1:30 am, at the age of 81 in Selma, Alabama. Roberta was currently a resident of Park Place Nursing Home where she was being cared for due to deteriorating health. Roberta was born on Red Hog Pike in Switzerland County, Indiana, on July 22, 1927, to Howard and Elma (Dunning) Rieman, both of whom preceded her in death. She was one of 7 children born to Howard and Elma; of which all grew to adulthood except Lucian who passed in infancy. Roberta remained close to her siblings all during her life; even as they moved away from Switzerland County and built their lives at a distance. Roberta married Amos Dennis Hastings on December 24, 1944, in Vevay, Indiana, by Rev. Frank Reed. Roberta and Amos enjoyed a loving and enriched life until his death on July 30, 1976, from Leukemia. They enjoyed raising their three children: Dennis, Dawson and Gay. They were actively involved in the community and church for the next 32 years of her marriage, until Amos’ death. Roberta was a 1945 graduate of Vevay High School &a faithful member of the Center Square Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Center Square Homemakers Club &was active in the Switzerland County 4-H. Roberta farmed with her husband on the family farm at Center Square &was employed at the WMGH Radio in the billing department for several years. Roberta suffered the loss of her oldest son, Dennis, on April 19, 1980, when he crashed his small ultra-light aircraft, falling to his death. Roberta was the central caregiver for her mother and Amos’ mother until they both passed away. Roberta continued to live in Center Square and be of service to her friends and neighbors in until she remarried.
On January 5, 1985, Roberta married James Hubert “Jim” Britton, Jr., at the Center Square Baptist Church and moved to Lawrence-burg, Indiana until his health was badly deteriorated &he passed away on February 12, 2002.At this time she returned to the Hastings farm and was loved and cared for by her long-time loving neighbors and friends. When Roberta was no longer able to effectively care for her health she moved to Pine Knoll Assisted Living Center in Lawrenceburg where she enjoyed the fellowship of residents and staff until August of 2008. At that time, Roberta was relocated to the Cedar Hill Assisted Living in Selma, Alabama to be near her son, Dawson and his family.
Roberta is survived by her children, Dawson Hastings, along with his wife Elaine and daughters Kristina and Rebecca of Selma, Alabama; and Gay Felch, along with her husband Russell and son Chris of Charlotte, North Carolina, a daughter-in-law, Barbara Hastings Strueh, along with her husband Tim and daughters, Lisa and Denise. Roberta leaves behind her a sister, Lucille Bunger &her husband Don, in Denver, Colorado and a brother, Leland “Dick” Rieman &his wife Audrey in Charleston, West Virginia, a sister-in-law: Ethelda Rieman of Elwood, Indiana, along with many loved nieces, nephews &James Hubert “Jim” Britton’s Children &grandchildren.
Roberta was preceded in death by her husband, Amos Dennis Hastings, her son, Dennis Dale Hastings, her second husband, James Hubert “Jim” Britton, her brothers, Darrell Rieman, Dale Rieman, and Wilbur “Gus” Rieman, her nephew, Ronnie Rieman.
Funeral services will be held at Haskell and Morrison Funeral Home 208 Ferry Street Vevay, Indiana, for family and friends at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 31, 2009. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2009, at the Haskell land Morrison Funeral Home from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Interment will be in the Vevay Cemetery, Vevay, Indiana. Memorials are requested to be given to The American Diabetes Association or The American Cancer Society.
Roberta will be forever remembered for her love of gardening, reading &she enjoyed preparing wonderful meals for all to enjoy. Her farm &home were her pride &joy at Center Square &she always kept it well manicured. She will truly be missed for her devotion to her family, her church &her community. Please visit http://www.selmafuneralhome.com/ to make on line condolences to the family.