Mostly Cloudy, 41° F
(Aug. 6, 1921-Feb. 15, 2013)
Betty Louise Rockhold, 91, died Feb. 15 at Powell Valley Care Center.
She was born Aug. 6, 1921 at the Powell farm home to Frances (Bartels) and Otto F. Smith. She grew up on the farm a mile north of Star School, which she attended her first four grades. Consolidation of all rural schools meant the rest of her schooling was in Powell, graduating with the class of 1939.
She became a bookkeeper for O.K. Transportation, later named Dick Jones Trucking, working there until her marriage to Bob Bullock in 1945. She resigned to be a farmer’s wife, but he was killed in an accident in 1947. Betty went back to work at Dick Jones Trucking until her marriage to Jack Rockhold in 1950 when they moved to her farm. Jack died in 2003.
Betty and Jack adopted three babies in the 1960s and 70s, and life was centered around their upbringing.
A life-long member of the Presbyterian Church, Betty was a Sunday school teacher, sponsor of college young people, an elder, a deacon and church treasurer for nine years. She also served as a 4-H leader and a Girl Scout leader. Betty was a life member of American Legion Auxiliary and a long-time member of O’Donnell Extension club.
Betty spent her final days on earth surrounded by family and friends, comfortable and at peace.
Surviving Betty are a son, Steve (Tammy) Rockhold of Arvada, Colo.; a daughter, Virginia (David) Mangin of Methven, New Zealand; grandchildren Terra Rockhold of Billings, Mont., Brittany Lee of Alamogordo, N.M., Emily and Leesa Rockhold of Arvada, Colo., Aimee and Timothy Mangin of Methven, New Zealand and Daniel Rockhold of Van Buren, Maine; a brother, Denman (Janet) Smith of Kent, Washington; and sisters-in-law, Jeannette and Shirley Smith, both of Powell; and many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were husband Jack Rockhold; son Dean Rockhold; parents, Pete and Francis Smith; sister Dorothy Cline; and brothers, Dick and Clifton Smith.
A funeral service took place on Monday, Feb. 18, at Union Presbyterian Church.
Thompson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made in Betty’s name to the American Legion Auxilliary Scholarship Fund.
