Dortha Ellen Rochte

Dortha 'Dottie' Rochte, 94, peacefully went to meet her Lord on Sunday morning, October 30, 2011 after a brief illness. The eldest of four children, Dottie was born at the Anderson Family Homestead in Grand Township, Marion County Ohio, in the same farm house where her father was born. It was here where the roots of her Christian faith were planted and grew to fill the rest of her life with devotion to God, family, church and service to others.
She believed each life must include humor, music, purpose and love. She lived this way throughout her life and inspired others to do the same. A believer in lifelong learning, Dottie received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bowling Green Teacher's College in 1942. She was a classroom teacher for over eight years. On January 6, 1946, she married Colonel Lucian S. 'Roc' Rochte, Jr. in Columbus, Ohio upon his return from World War II. This began her exciting new career as an Air Force wife which eventually took Dottie, Roc and their three sons to several states and an overseas assignment in Germany during the late 1950s. The family's time in Germany included visiting many European countries with highlights such as attending the World's Fair in Brussels in 1958 and taking a Mediterranean Cruise. After returning from Germany in 1959 and serving four years at the Pentagon and the FAA until 1963, Colonel Rochte was assigned to the Space Systems Division in El Segundo and the family once again pulled up stakes, this time for good. Wherever the family lived, Dottie was always fully engaged in the lives of her husband and sons including church, scouting, sports and school. She often took leadership roles and was known for her dedication and creativity. She learned to play the piano at an early age and brought the gift of music into the lives of her family and friends. She enjoyed teaching and playing the piano with the neighborhood kids, but especially with her own grandchildren. She was an active volunteer at Riviera United Methodist Church for over 48 years in many different areas of responsibility. She was especially involved with the United Methodist Women, Church Women United and as a tutor for children at the Toberman Settlement House.
Dottie was a born entertainer, whether as a gracious hostess in her home or performing as one of the original members of "The Treblemakers," a women's chorus. In these settings she shared her gifts of joyfulness and generosity.
Dottie was preceded in death by her husband, Lucian, and her son, Fredric (Christie). She is survived by her sons, Rock and Tim (Melissa) and her six grandchildren, Owen, Evan, Emily, Adam, Monica and Jacob. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, at Riviera United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dortha Rochte's name to the memorial fund at Riviera United Methodist Church, 375 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (310) 378-2973.

Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275