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Louise Rockhold Obituary
08/11/1932 - 12/22/2023
Louise was born in Honolulu, territory of Hawaii, the daughter of William Andrew Jordan and Harriet Kamahana Likelike Ka'ahumanu Blake Jordan. With her older brother, Willie, Louise grew up living around the world, as their father was a career U.S. Marine. From Virginia to Cuba to Northern California, the family returned to Mountain View, Calif., when her father retired. Louise attended Mountain View High School, where she met the love of her life, Richard Orville Rockhold, Dick. They married in 1951, at Stanford Memorial Church, moved to San Francisco, and Louise worked at Shell Oil. With several friends, they opened a jazz bar, the "Sail'N", and were part owners of the Lu Watters Jazz Band. Soon, they started their family, moved down to Redwood City, and then settled in Menlo Park in 1963.
With lifelong family friends, they tailgated at Stanford games and camped and waterskied at Whiskeytown Lake every summer. Louise was a talented interior designer and floral arranger. She loved to provide a beautiful and loving home, welcoming friends and extended family for weekly Sunday night dinners, fun BBQs, and festive holiday celebrations. Louise and Dick were always the life of every party.
They loved to travel, and made multiple trips to Europe, Africa, and Louise's native Hawaii. In retirement, domestic trips focused on skiing or Dixieland jazz festivals. Louise was an active volunteer, particularly with the Woodside-Atherton Auxiliary benefiting Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, both with their shop at the Allied Arts Guild and chairing their major Tally Ho fundraiser several times.
When grandchildren arrived, Louise was overjoyed. She knew how to make each grandchild feel special and loved. She planned fun dinners and parties, and shopped 'til she dropped for them.
Louise is survived by her daughter, Janice (Scott) Gibbons of San Jose; son, David (Karla) Rockhold of Corvallis, Ore.; and her daughter-in-law, Anne (Craig) Rockhold of Palo Alto. Proud grandmother of her seven grandchildren, Kimberly and Melissa Gibbons: Matthew, Andrew, and Michael Rockhold; and Catherine Annunziata and Lt. Peter Rockhold, USN. She was predeceased by her husband, Dick Rockhold; son, Craig Rockhold; and brother, Willie Jordan.
Louise passed away peacefully at home on December 22, 2023 at the age of 91. A Celebration Luau will be held on Saturday, June 8, from 1-3 p,m. For details, please email [email protected] or reach out to a family member. Donations are welcomed to Woodside-Atherton Auxiliary benefiting the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford at https://alliedartsguild.org/lpch/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Louise Rockhold
3 Entries
David Nye
May 5, 2024
Louise was and is a sweet sole. Both Louise and Dick treated me like family. I remember when David and I often stopped by the house for a quick lunch while at MA. Louise would make sandwiches while I would raid the chip drawer in the kitchen, which was always well-stocked. I also remember many warm conversations about family, friends, and growing up. I'll cherish the fond memories of parties at the house, tailgating before Stanford football games, and learning to waterski at Whiskeytown Lake.
Margo Ritter/Pete Hammond
May 3, 2024
Although this is late, Margo Ritter and Pete Hammond then their condolences to the Family, Pete went to Grammar School with Dick and they were in business together. I knew Louise by participating in Volunteer work together. We loved visiting after we moved to Palm Desert, Love
Stephen Alexander Hamilton
May 2, 2024
Louise Rockhold and Dick Rockhold, I felt very close to, when growing up. Their son, David and I, are still close friends, for well over forty years. My heart is saddened over the loss of Louise. Every time I came over to the Rockholds, she always made me feel like one of the family. I have the most wonderful memories of spending time there. Her infectious personality gave me great joy and a sense of family, which I was lacking at the time. I will always be so grateful to her.
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