Lola Lea Rock, of St. Clair, MO, departed this life at her daughter’s home, surrounded by the love of her family, on January 27, 2017, having reached the age of seventy years, ten months and fifteen days. Lola was born in Anaconda, MO, on March 12, 1946, daughter of William Paiton Phillips, known to all as Pate, and Helen Phillips nee Stager. On November 25, 1972, she was united in marriage to Charles Joseph Rock, Sr., known to all as Joe, and two children came to bless this union.
Lola is survived by her children, Charles Joseph Rock, Jr., known to many as Little Joe, of Sullivan, MO, and Annelle Weirich of St. Clair, MO; by her grandchildren, Mikayla and Jacob Weirich of St. Clair; by three brothers, Robert Phillips of St. Clair, William Phillips and wife, Hatsue, of Seal, CA, and John Phillips and wife, Debbie, of Virginia Beach, VA; by one sister, Dorothy Osborn of St. Clair; by two sisters-in-law, Joyce Phillips and Violet Love, both of St. Clair; by many nieces, nephews, great, great-great and great-great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Lola was preceded in death by her parents, Pate and Helen Phillips; by her husband, Joe Rock, Sr.; by one brother, Theodore Phillips, and by two sisters, Gladys Carver and Viola Cook.
Lola was a Christian and lifelong member of New Chapel Hill Church near Sullivan, MO. During her working years, she had been employed as a machine operator for Von Weise Gear Company in St. Clair, retiring after over twenty years with the company. Lola was happiest when she was outdoors. She loved to go fishing with Joe and her children and loved working in her yard. Raising beautiful roses was a favorite hobby. Woodworking was another of her hobbies and she took pride in the items she made. Lola loved animals and she enjoyed having horses and going on trail rides. She also feed the birds and other wildlife near her home. In the past several months, her little Shiatsu grand-dog, Gigi, was her constant companion. Lola was an avid Cardinal’s baseball fan and in recent years, enjoyed watching the televised games. Lola’s children and grandchildren were her pride and joy and she cherished the relationship she had with each of them.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2017, at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO, with the Rev. Paul Niemoeller officiating. Interment was in New Chapel Hill Cemetery, Sullivan, MO.
Memorials may be made to New Chapel Hill Cemetery or to Mercy Hospice of Washington, MO.