Dorothy J. (Smith) Rookard

Dorothy J. (Smith) Rookard, age 88, of New Castle, DE passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on Tuesday, May 6, 2014.

Born in Duff, TN on July 21, 1925, Dorothy was a daughter of the late John C. Smith and Nettie Walls Smith. She made her career as a metal technician and worked in her field for many years until her retirement.

An excellent student athlete, Dorothy was a member of the basketball team at her high school. She participated in the Manhattan Project in Oakridge, TN. Dorothy was a 40 year member of the Eastern Star and enjoyed the many friendships she made there. She was a talented artist and crafter. Above all else, Dorothy was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother who will be dearly missed.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest LeRoy Rookard, Sr. and sisters, Betty Lou Owens and Mae Powell. Dorothy is survived by her children, Ernest L. Rookard, Jr. (Carol Spencer) of New Brunswick, Canada, Randy Rookard (Mary Jo) of Wilmington, DE, John M. Rookard (Brenda) of New Castle, DE, Sharon G. Rookard of Hockessin, DE and Kimberly A. Redwood (Clifford) of New Castle, DE; grandchildren, Christian Cummings, Marisa Rookard, Karen Rookard, Lisa Ashworth (Matthew), Jessica Evans (Eric), Jennifer Bleeker (Keith), Brandy Redwood (Tom White), Clifford Redwood (Jessica Brown); great grandchildren, Kalen Rookard-MacEachern, William Ashworth, Henry Ashworth, Oriana McClements, Xavier McClements and Faith Redwood; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday, May 12, 2014, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a visitation will be held from 10 am until 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Seasons Hospice, 220 Continental Drive, Ste. 101, Newark, DE 19713.