Boots Rothrock

Boots Rothrock, age 84, of Willowick, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, with her loving daughters at her side.
She was born on June 29, 1941, in Euclid, to Matthew and Frances Kernz, and spent her life living and working in Northeast Ohio. In her early years, she worked as a caregiver at an assisted living center in Kirtland before beginning a career of more than 20 years as an emergency dispatcher, serving both the City of Mentor-on-the-Lake and the Lake County Sheriff's Department.
Boots devoted her personal and professional life to caring for others. A true matriarch, her greatest joy came from the happiness of her family. She treasured time together, especially during holidays and family trips, creating memories they will hold close forever. After retiring she spent the rest of her years watching her grandchildren and then great grandchildren, forming unbreakable bonds with them. She was fiercely loyal, unafraid to speak her mind and a selfless friend who would have gone to the ends of the earth to protect her loved ones. She will be missed terribly by her devoted family and friends.
She is survived by her daughters Debbie Menn, and Jacqueline Byrne whose late husband was William Byrne. She is further survived by eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, Adam Lesko (Karen), parents of Brittney (Luke) and Dane; Brandy Maxwell (Ricky), parents of Brayden and baby James, now in Heaven; Derrick Menn (Carly) father of Logan (Aidan) and Lucas; Matthew Byrne (Rachel) who are blessed to be expecting; Shane Byrne (Samantha), parents of Emmett and Margaret; William "Billy" Byrne (Megan); Mackenzie Miller (Nolan); Michael Byrne (Sadie).
Preceding her in death was her beloved son, Michael Lesko and her dear 'sisters' Carol McCullough and Sharon Kernz.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28, at Brickman Bros Funeral Home, 37433 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094.
Honoring her personal wish, Boots asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. stjude.org
The family would like to sincerely thank the caregivers of Hospice of The Western Reserve for their comforting care and support during Boots' final days.