Ernest Rockhill (April 21, 1941 - January 27, 2020)

In loving memory of
Ernest Rockhill
  • April 21, 1941
  • -
  • January 27, 2020

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Obituary

Ernest “Ernie” Howard Rockhill, 78, passed away in his home, surrounded by his loving family on January 27, 2020 after a valiant battle with pulmonary fibrosis. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Ernie was born on April 21, 1941, to the late Edward and Martha Rockhill in Butler, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Bulter High School in 1960. Ernie proudly served our country in the United States Navy onboard the U.S.S. Independence. He married his high school sweetheart, Marianne Heider, in 1963. Ernie worked as a sales representative in the home furnishing industry for over 40 yrs.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marianne; their children Ernest Jr.(Maureen), Nicole (Robert ) Gladieux and Kendra (Joseph) Doone; grandchildren, Samantha and Ernest III “Howie”  Rockhill, Kyle (Makenzie), Cole and Karis Gladieux, Haleigh and Shayne Doone; his sister, Charlene Barnett;  brother, Kenneth Rockhill;  sister in law, Carol Rockhill; as well as his beloved dog, Daisy.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Edward D. Rockhill.

Memorial services will be private. The family suggests that anyone wishing to commemorate Ernie’s life consider a donation in his name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (501 St. Jude Place Menphis TN 38105) or www.stjude.org.

The family wishes to thank Kindred Hospice for their compassionate care, especially Serena Stewart, whose kindness and care brought great comfort to both Ernie and Marianne, as well as the special neighbors and friends who were so supportive throughout the course of his illness

Your gentle touch, your tender care.  A smile as bright as sunshine, a heart of no compare.  A spirit that will glow forever, in the memories that we share.


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  1. Nancy & Garris says:
    31 Jan 2020
    Marianne, my Pillow Street pal. It was always a joy being around you and Earnie when ever we could. It gave Earnie and I a chance to reminisce the few years we had growing up together in Meridian. Earnie’s Dad was a member of the Meridian Minstrels and my Mom was a member of the group then also. We’re very sad for you and the rest of your family. Yet, joyful in knowing Earnie was a righteous man is starting a beautiful comfortable live with the Son Of God now and forever. Take care special Pillow Street Pal.

  2. Gary McKindree says:
    31 Jan 2020
    As we reflect with gratitude on a beautiful friendship between the Rockhill & Mckindree families we recall where it all began. Although we were acquaintances in high school, our real friendship began in 1966, in Greensburg, PA, when Ernie and I took sale jobs with P&G. Along with our children, we would get together frequently enjoying ourselves and watching our friendship grow. Marianne, remember when we all spent a special Thanksgiving, roughing it (no indoor toilet) in a PA cabin. As life went on Ernie & I backpacked on PA trails, As partners we won a golf tournament & Caribbean cruise, we camped & canoed with Marianne & Judy. The four of us had Steelers season tickets and sat together for years. We then became geographically separated. On occasion we would get together and continue to enjoy our friendship.
    Now life has happened in a very profound way. Ernie has left us to be with his maker. We recall with love, admiration & gratitude, a man who was determined to live his life to the fullest. Ernie was a wonderful Father, Husband & friend. He enriched the lives of everyone who knew him.
    Your friendship has been a blessing.
    Thank you Ernie!

  3. Mickey Larose says:
    30 Jan 2020
    Marianne I remember the first time Vince and I met Ernie. We were in Orlando and you visited us at our hotel. He was so gracious it felt like we knew him forever. You and I had not seen each other for so many many years and we just started talking and the two guys talked longer than the 2 of us. It was like they knew each other forever( Talking about their Navy experiences), that’s how he made you feel.
    May God be with you and your family.
    Ernie, May you have “Fair winds and following Seas”God give you eternal rest.
    Vince and Mickey

  4. Mickey Larose says:
    30 Jan 2020
    Remembering Ernie with nothing but love. The first time we met him was several years ago. Vince and I went to Orlando where after many many years Marianne and I reconnected. It was like we knew him forever. Vince and Ernie talked about the Navy and Marianne and I talked about everything cousins do.
    We visited a few years later and went to Mardi Gras at the Villages. We will cherish those memories always.
    Marianne God be with you and your family.
    Ernie, “May you have fair winds and following seas”
    Rest In Peace.
    Vince and Mickey

  5. Marianme posted an image:
    30 Jan 2020


  6. Anne McElhaney Schaffner says:
    30 Jan 2020
    Dear Marianne,
    I am so sorry for your loss. May you be comforted by your memories of Ernie and surrounded by love.
    Anne McElhaney Schaffner

  7. Dr. Jay & Sue Osborne says:
    30 Jan 2020
    Ernie and Marianne are/were the best possible neighbors you could ask for. Rest in peace gentle man.

  8. Marybeth rzepka lit a candle:
    29 Jan 2020
    Lit since January 29, 2020 at 1:45:55 PM

  9. Nicole posted an image:
    29 Jan 2020
    Marianne, Wenie and Daisy
    Marianne, Wenie and Daisy

  10. Marianme posted an image:
    29 Jan 2020
    Ernie’s beloved Miss Daisy
    Ernie’s beloved Miss Daisy

  11. Marianne posted an image:
    29 Jan 2020


  12. Nicole posted an image:
    29 Jan 2020


  13. Nicole posted an image:
    29 Jan 2020
    The 3 E’s
    The 3 E’s

  14. Haleigh Doone posted an image:
    29 Jan 2020


  15. Nicole posted an image:
    29 Jan 2020


  16. Kendra Doone posted an image:
    29 Jan 2020


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