Bessie L. Rockwell

Bessie L Rockwell, 107, passed away at the Arkansas Valley Regional Nursing Care Center on December 27, 2011. She was born on September 27, 1904 in Pueblo Colorado to Willard Miles & Catherine Leona (Cunning) Marsh. She married to Leroy E. Rockwell on July 8, 1944 in La Junta, Colorado; he preceded her in death on February 4, 1982.

Bessie attended the University of Northern Colorado and graduated in 1929 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She taught 4th grade in Pagosa Springs, Co., Art at the La Junta Junior High School, Art at Thatcher School in Pueblo, then returned to La Junta and teaching at the La Junta High School until retiring in 1964. Everywhere Bessie would go, people would come up to her and say, "You were my teacher".  Bessie was also a 63 year member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International actively promoting professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. She also taught at the Otero Junior College as an art instructor and taught some night adult classes. Bessie was also a Sunday school teacher, Girl Scout leader, and a camp counselor. Although Bessie had no children of her own she touched the lives of many children directly and indirectly in all her numerous endeavors throughout her long and active life.

Bessie had been a member of PEO since 1948. She was a member of the Eastern Star receiving her 80 year membership certificate in 2005. She also was involved for many years at the Arkansas Valley Community Concert Association and local retired teacher associations. She was also the recipient of the Sunshine Award at the 1999 La Junta Wake-up Breakfast.

Bessie is survived by her step-son, Leroy Rockwell; step-daughter-in-law, Norma Rockwell; six step-grandchildren and nine step-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and adopted family of Mel, Toni & Curt Cook.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Ralph & LeRoy Marsh; and stepson, Robert G. Rockwell.

Closed casket funeral service will be Wednesday, January 4, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church with Rev. Ron Skoric officiating.  Visitation will be Tuesday, January 3, 2011 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel.

Peacock-Larsen funeral home and Arkansas Valley crematory is in charge of arrangements.



In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Colorado Christian Home, The Colorado Boys Ranch or to the Eastern Star direct or through the funeral home.