Betty Jean Rockhold was blessed with living 92 beautiful years on this earth before meeting her Heavenly Father on Sunday, November 5, 2023.
She was a small-town girl from Lineville, Iowa. On August 12, 1931, her parents, Bryan and Bessie (Nickel) Shockey happily brought her to their country home in Lineville. She was welcomed by her siblings, Violet, Carl, Velora and Leona. Her brothers, Billy and Bobby were born and that completed the Shockey family. Leona passed away before Billy was born and Bobby was with them just shy of two years.
When Betty was nine years old, her appendix burst and they thought they lost her. It was evident at this early age; Betty was a fighter as she was ready to tackle any storm. She spent her childhood helping her mother and father on the farm collecting eggs from chickens and helping her mom make clothing for her siblings. They were a tight group of kids who went to a country school named White Oak which was located in their community. The siblings and their cousins had to walk a mile or more (as we were told) “uphill” in the snow and back to school every day. She grew into a lovely young woman attending Lineville high school and working at the Street Car Café for extra spending money. She graduated in 1949 and worked at the bank her senior year.
After a few years of heavy chasing, she gave in to Jerry Dean Rockhold, Sr and took his hand in marriage on January 1, 1951 in Lineville, Iowa. Betty and Jerry planted their roots in Lineville and loved the community. On June 7, 1952, they welcomed their eldest son, Jerry Dean Rockhold, Jr into the world. Soon after that their middle son, Gregory Wayne Rockhold was born on December 4, 1953. As if two boys weren’t enough excitement for them, they welcomed their youngest son, Douglas Lee Rockhold, on October 29, 1957.
The years passed and the boys grew into men. Throughout their childhood, Betty and Jerry lived in the river bottoms and then bought a farm north of town. In 1978, they built a home which happily welcomed their future generations.
Betty and Jerry were strong in their faith at the Lineville Assembly of God church. They served many positions within the church and prayed for many people along the way. They were viewed by friends and family as pillars of the community by representing family, faith, and friendship. They shared many close relationships such as those with the Judd family. Chester and Cecil Judd, along with their children were very close with them.
Betty worked as a home health aide, school aid, and continued to devote her life to her family and community. As she always stated, she was most happy when she had her grandchildren with her. Betty (and Jerry) took on the role in having a hand to raise the grandchildren. Her lessons to all will leave a legacy of love, laughter, and a spirit of faith which will live for a lifetime.
Betty will always be remembered as a true Superwoman. She was the person everyone called to inform of any issues and would take charge to pray for them to automatically take their fears away. Her passion for her children and grandchildren to be successful was inspiring and uplifting. It was nothing for the phone to ring during a family dinner. Betty would answer it and the cord extended past all of us over the rolls, green beans and mashed potatoes. She prepared many wonderful meals for her family, and many laughs were shared at the dinner table. She was always taking care of someone and expected nothing in return. The grandchildren remember her beating them at triominoes and her dedication to watching Wheel of Fortune.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, her husband, Jerry, her son, Douglas, and grandson, Caleb.
Betty is survived by her sons, Jerry Dean Jr (Lineville, IA) and Greg (Smithville, MO), Ex-wife (Carolyn). Grandchildren include: Lacey Rockhold (Brandon Douglas), April Rockhold (Johnson), Jeremy Johnson, Alexis Rockhold, and Chad Barker (Sherri). Great-grandchildren include: Malika Douglas, Boston Douglas, Charleigh Douglas, Zoey Johnson, Kane Barker (Hayley), Cayley Barker, Emily Sample, and Austin Nix. Great-great grandchildren include: Fayola Renee Jean White, Kyler and Mallory Barker. She is also survived by many lovely nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family extends a special thank you to those who were there for her caring until the end. Fruedenthal Hospice, Kristen Keely, Dana Sansone, Dennis Jones, Stephanie Beardsley, Erin Sivertson, Rachelle Bowland, Carla Smith, Barbara Munsell, Katie Johnson, Connie Johnson, Ashley Peterson, Cara Adams, Atheah Roberts, Kenedy Frederick, Darci Cornelius, Kimi Honeycutt, Danielle Capps, Catherine Fulton, Brandi Campbell, Felicia Morse, and many more who mean so much and are not meant to be forgotten. To all those who experienced her love, you are welcome. She never knew a stranger.
“I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Phillippians 4:13
Betty has been cremated under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Princeton, MO.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Roberson Funeral Home in Princeton, MO. A private inurnment will be held in Evergreen Cemetery, Lineville, IA.
