Ernest Samuel Rockholt

1940 - 2025

ERNEST SAMUEL ROCKHOLT

January 11, 1940 – March 20, 2025

Angels Camp – Ernest Samuel "Ernie" Rockholt, 85, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, while vacationing in Toulouse, France, with his beloved wife, Sally.

Born on January 11, 1940, in Taft, California, Ernie lived a full and generous life centered around family, service, curiosity, and adventure.

He graduated from Taft Union High School in 1957, where he excelled in both track and football. His athletic skills earned him a track scholarship to UC Santa Barbara, where he studied Geology, later finishing his degree at Fresno State.

Ernie returned to Taft after college and ran a local Standard service station. He eventually found his calling in public service, working first as a Juvenile Probation Officer in Kern County. Later, he supported former inmates as they re-entered society and retired from Kern County Mental Health after a career of helping others. In 2004, Ernie and Sally moved to Angels Camp, CA, where they built new friendships and found joy in their community.

Ernie was first married to Elizabeth Clark of Taft, with whom he had two daughters: Katharine (married to Jeff Main) and Victoria (married to Bruce Emery). In 1972, he married Sally, and together they raised their daughter Lisa Groover. His family grew to include four grandchildren – Gregor Main, Betsy Main, Matthew Groover, and Emily Groover – and one great-grandson, Colin Main. Ernie and Sally celebrated their 52nd anniversary in Paris last year, dining at the Eiffel Tower.

Ernie lived with great passion. He loved the sea, sailing his boats off the coast of Southern California. He practiced karate, played guitar, painted, wrote poetry, and stayed active – lifting weights at Olde Iron Gym in Angels Camp well into his 80s. He proudly held the title of the gym's oldest member. He was also a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West.

A curious and lifelong learner, Ernie read widely and loved history, sports, and culture. He was a loyal fan of the Giants, Warriors, and 49ers – and in recent years, became an enthusiastic rugby supporter. One of his final joyful moments was celebrating France's Six Nations victory at a local café in Toulouse.

Ernie and Sally shared a deep love of travel and visited all seven continents together. France held a special place in his heart, and his ashes were scattered there, in a place he cherished.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd "Rocky" Rockholt and Eula "Betty" Rockholt, and his brother Richard.

Ernie will be remembered for his gentle nature, sense of humor, humility, and deep love for his family and friends. His memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

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