Gene Rooks

1932 - 2014

Rooks, Gene Gene Ballentine Rooks, 81, died April 10, 2014. She was born in Orlando to Corbin and Thelma Ballentine and lived her entire life in Central Florida. She was a devoted wife and mother, and devout servant of Christ. Following her graduation from Orlando High School she married her true "other half," Victor Bert Rooks. After her faith, Gene's love for her family was her greatest joy. Her children cherished her unlimited forgiveness, patience and depth of love. Her pride in her grandsons held no bounds, and she was exceedingly pleased they have all pursued some level of higher education after high school, even including one Fulbright Scholar and one pursuing a Pastoral Masters degree. Gene is survived by her husband Bert; children Robin Black, Stephen Rooks (Jodie), and Carol Porter (Ken); grandsons Jason Rooks (Amy), Justin Reeves, Michael Porter, Cameron Black, Corbin Rooks, Stephen Porter and Samuel Rooks; brother David Ballentine (Maureen); brothers-in-law William and Gerald (Mary Jane); nine nieces and nephews; and many cousins. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Gene's life at a visitation Friday, April 18, 5-8 p.m. and a service Saturday, April 19, 12 noon at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Gotha.Her full obituary is available on www.DignityMemorial.com, where you can also share your memories of Gene.