Rockla Thompson Surface

Rockla Surface Obituary

Rockla (Rockie) Thompson Surface of New Castle went to be with her Lord on November 14, 2009 at the age of 70, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Ruth Thompson, and her husband Shelburne A. (Sonny) Surface. She is survived by her children, Tommy Surface and wife, Nancy, Cherie Absalom and husband David, and Mark Surface and wife Tracy; grandchildren, Sean Huffman, Stephanie Absalom, Sonny Absalom, Christine Surface, Matthew Surface, and Elizabeth Surface; brother, Ned Thompson and wife, Betty of Columbus, Ohio and brother, Rob Thompson and wife, Mary of Charlotte, N.C.; brother-in-law, Jim Surface and wife, Judy of Johnson City, Tenn.; and many nephews; and nieces. Rockie was a talented musician and vocalist who shared her talents with Miss Mona's School of Dance for many years, taught piano lessons in her home, and played piano and sang for the New Castle Christian Church Choir. She enjoyed gardening, needlework, her many cats, and walking in the woods with her special friend, Millie Snider. The family will receive friends at Paitsel Funeral Home 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, November 16, 2009. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens with Dr. Ernie Johnson officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Roanoke Valley SPCA. Special thanks to the staff of Richfield Nursing Home and Southern Care Hospice. Arrangements by Paitsel Funeral Home. www.paitselfh.com.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Rockla Surface

12 Entries

November 17, 2009

I haven't seen Rockla for over 50 years but know that she is still the same wonderful, gracious person she was then, even in spite of her illness. I feel blessed to have known her. My condolences go out to her family and friends.

Byron Yost...Four Tones

November 17, 2009

may you rest in peace rockla.frank carroll fore tones

Rhonda Shupe

November 17, 2009

My prayers are with you. She's in heaven now, with no sickness, playing the piano with the Angels.
Love,

Leah Buckley

November 16, 2009

Dear Tommy,Cherie and Mark,
I am sorry to hear of your mother's death. I have such fond memories of her and the entire family. We all had so much fun growing up together. I fondly remember your mom always welcoming us over. And how she could play the piano. Such a talent. I love you all and will say a special prayer this evening. Much Love, Leah Hottel Buckley

November 16, 2009

Rockla's family does not know me. I was a classmate and friend of this wonderful lady. She played for my quartet, The Four Tones, and was instrumental in making us the most popular singing group in the Roanoke area. She deserved a longer and better life. Emory C. Bogle, University of Richmond professor.

Dorothy (Dot) Bowers

November 16, 2009

Cherie - I am so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. She was a special lady and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lisa Paxton

November 16, 2009

Tommy, Cherie and Mark,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. She was a lovely person and I know you will miss her very much. I hope to see you all tomorrow at the service. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Lisa Fuller Paxton

Linda Smith

November 16, 2009

Cherie, We are so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. We will never forget our wedding day when you, Cindy and your mom sang and played for our little outdoor ceremony in April, 1980.
We hope you hold in your heart the many happy memories of your mom, just like we do of Cindy.

Linda Bostic and Larry Smith

Norma & Beth Carper

November 16, 2009

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jessica Huffman Breeden

November 15, 2009

Dear Tommy, Cherie, and Mark~
As long as I live there will be a memory of your mother that plays again and again in my head. I am standing at the microphone. She is sitting behind the piano peering over the top and Miss Mona is saying that she wants me to sing it again. I don't want to. I want to cry. But your Mom smiles at me and begins to play and when Rockie played, you sang. So I did. Such a sweet smile that after all these years is still engraved on my mind. She always had my back and even then, at that age, I knew it. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,

Lorrie Dudding-Scott

November 15, 2009

Dear Mark,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless bless you.

Kathy Watts

November 15, 2009

Dear Tommy, Cherie and Mark, I just wanted to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you. It's always such a shock when one of the "adults" from the cabin passes. In my minds eye they always remain those card playing, marshmellow roasting fun loving guardians that occupied the porch on warm summer nights. Rockla was always such a warm and caring member of that group. I just wanted you to know how much I thought of her and how sorry I am for your loss.
Love and sympathy,
Kathy Walters Watts

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