Elsie May Rock, age 82 of Elkhart passed away Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013 after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Elsie was born May 30, 1931 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Orville and Ruth (Mendenhall) DeGraff. The 1950 graduate of Elkhart High School loved to dance, and met her husband, Royal Rock at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio where they were both students. They married on May 20, 1951 in Elkhart, IN and enjoyed dancing together for as long as she was able.
Elsie is survived by her devoted husband, Royal Rock of Elkhart, and three children; Edward (Sandra) Rock of Elkhart, Robin A. Rock of Dallas, TX, and Kelly (Brian) Bowen of White Pigeon, MI. Also surviving is her brother James (Joan) DeGraff of Portage, MI, and 5 grandchildren; Brenda (Adam) Arms, Christopher Rock, Carol (companion, Joann) Ledesma, Mary (Dominic) Gordon and Matthew (Mary) Cunningham. Also surviving are 10 great grandchildren. Elsie was preceded in death by her siblings Betty, Orville, Lois, Doris, Patricia and Shirley.
There will be one hour of calling prior to the 6 pm celebration of her life on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013 at Hillcrest United Methodist Church, 4206 East Bristol Street, Elkhart, IN 46514. Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola is handling arrangements.
Elsie began working with computer technology in the early 1950''s, working for Miles Laboratories and later C.G. Conn in Elkhart before retiring in the early 1970''s. In her younger years, she enjoyed crocheting and bowling. She was well known for her witty one-liners, and her inspiration to others through her positive attitude during her disability and the difficulties associated with it.
The Rock family wishes to extend a special note of thanks to Elkhart General Home Care for their years of dedication and care for Elsie during her time of need. In her memory, donations may be made to the Center for Hospice Care.