Born September 16, 1897, in Waverly, Ky., Roberta was one of 10 children born to Francis and Camilla Willett Raley. She received her education in the public schools in Waverly and Morganfield. She also attended St. Ann School at Morganfield. When she was 17 years old, Roberta wanted to enter the novitiate at Mount Saint Joseph Since there were traces of tuberculosis in her family, the pastor at Morganfield suggested that she see a doctor for an examination. She received a good report and entered the novitiate at Mount Saint Joseph on May 2, 1915. Roberta received the Ursuline habit and the name Sister Ophelia on August 10, 1915.
Sister Ophelia was prepared for the teaching apostolate and taught in the school for black children at St. Francis, Raywick, Ky., in 1916. The following year, she was missioned to St. Charles School at Lebanon, Ky., for two years. In 1919, Sister was sent to Nebraska teaching for seven years at Dixon, Plattsmouth, and Harlington. She returned to Kentucky and taught at St. Columba, Louisville, for the school year 1927-1928. She spent the next five years teaching at Blanco, N.M. She returned to Louisville, teaching at St. Columba for three years, before going to Central City, Ky., for three years. She returned to Louisville in 1939, assigned to St. Paul School for three years. The following year, she spent the first semester at Central City, the second semester at Nebraska City, Neb. She returned to Kentucky and spent the remainder of her teaching years at Buechel, St. James (Louisville), St. Lawrence, St. Alphonsus, Fairfield, Waverly, Hardinsburg, Cloverport, and Stanley.
Sister Ophelia retired from teaching in 1970 and returned to Mount Saint Joseph. Although her health was greatly impaired, she retained a spirit of independence even when the loss of eyesight added to her suffering. She died in the infirmary on November 5, 1981. Father Anthony Ziegler and Father Bernard Barnes OSM, chaplain, celebrated the funeral Mass on November 7. Father Barnes delivered the homily. Sister Ophelia’s remains are buried in the convent cemetery.