Betty Jane LaRocca, 97, of Springfield, died at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at St. Joseph’s Home.
A private family graveside ceremony will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating.
Mrs. LaRocca was born Oct. 18, 1920, in Detroit, MI, the daughter of John and Mercedes Peddlar Keagle. She married James David LaRocca, Sr. on Oct. 18, 1941, in St. Charles, MO, and he preceded her in death on Feb. 15, 2015.
After finishing in the first graduating class at Lanphier High School in 1937, Mrs. LaRocca attended Brown’s Business College. She was a skilled secretary who worked first for Springfield School District 186 at Lanphier High School. She then worked for the State of Illinois Department of Public Aid until her retirement after an extended career.
Mrs. LaRocca was a member of Third Presbyterian Church and bridge club for many years. She and her husband were also longtime members of the 38 Club. After retirement, she and her husband enjoyed spending their winters in Florida, where she loved doing water aerobics and playing Bingo. She also enjoyed crocheting, playing the piano, harmonica and ukulele and dancing with her husband.
In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Gloria Brown and Marjorie Howell.
She is survived by her three children, Diana (John) Meyer of Springfield, J. David (Marcy) LaRocca, Jr. of New Albany, OH, and J. Dale (Debbie) LaRocca of Springfield; nine grandchildren, Christopher (Theresa) Meyer, Lesley (Ben) Failor, Corey (Blake) Lipe of Hillsboro, J.D. (Sara) LaRocca, III, Evan (Shannon) LaRocca, Kara LaRocca, Jennifer (Zak) Gurnsey, Jason LaRocca, and Amanda (Bola) Odubiro and ten great-grandchildren, Lydia, Emma, Amelia, Addison, Connor, Jay, Carter, Nathan, Henry, Bryce and baby Lipe on the way.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Home, 3306 S. 6th St. Rd., Springfield, IL 62703 or Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, 57 Country Place, Springfield, IL 62703.
