Kathryn Laverne (Sawchuck) Rockwell

Kathryn Laverne Rockwell, 90, formerly of New Lexington went home to be with the Lord on November 25 at 2:40pm.   She was born April 4, 1925 in Washington, PA to the parents of Andrew and Amelia Margaret Yankovitch Sawchuck.

Known as “Mrs. Coach” in the New Lexington community, she was the wife of Jim Rockwell, former New Lexington High School teacher, coach, and athletic director.

She attended Immaculate Conception primary school and Washington Trinity High School in Washington, PA, and began working in the Defense Plant during WWII in the Pittsburgh area at age sixteen to assist her mother when her father passed away.

Her career included working as a telephone operator in Washington, PA, Huntington, WV and Ironton, OH, a sales representative for Stanley Home Products, as well as working as a teacher’s aid in the New Lexington school system.  She operated the concession stand at the New Lexington City Pool for many years. She also contributed countless hours supporting New Lexington athletics in the areas of varsity club boosters concession stands, working the ticket booth, organizing the “feed the teams” after each home game, and transporting/exchanging films with the upcoming opponent. 

Kathryn attended the St. Rose Church and the New Lexington Baptist Church.

Kathryn Laverne Rockwell is survived by her son James Rockwell (Susan) of Akron, OH, sister Mildred “Midge” Parkinson of Washington, PA, sister Peggy Bunner (Dale) of Tampa, FL, grandchildren Jamie (Lisa) Rockwell of Chagrin Falls, OH. and Joe (Richelle) Rockwell of Pickerington, OH; step-grandchildren Aundrea (Josh) Parker of New Lexington, OH,  Jobie (Claire) Siemer of Fairfax, VA, and Jourdan Siemer of Corning, OH; great grandchildren Blake and Henry; step great grandchildren Julian, Emma, and Maddy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband James E. Rockwell, her daughter Janice Rockwell McLean, her infant daughter Judy Rockwell, her brother Robert Sawchuck, her sister Patricia Nicolella, and her brother Henry Sawchuck, all of Washington, PA.

Calling hours will be held from 6:00-8:00pm on Monday, November 30, 2015 at the Roberts-Winegardner Funeral Home, 304 Mill Street, New Lexington, Ohio.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at the funeral home with Reverend Richard Newlon officiating.

Reception following at the Moxahala United Methodist Church, Moxahala, Ohio.

Obituary and online register book at www.robertsfuneralhomenewlex.com

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