Joyce Rothrock 1930-2018

Joyce Rothrock, 87, Long Beach, Calif., died Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, at Valley View Gardens care home.

She was born July 28, 1930, in Moorhead, Minn., the daughter of Everett and Adelade Witt. She attended Moorhead State University, earned her teaching credential, then attended CSULB in Long Beach, Calif. She later earned her master’s degree.

Mrs. Rothrock taught first grade classes in Long Beach, Calif., for 29 years, retiring in 1990.

She was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Long Beach for more than 40 years, assisting with communion, lecturing and playing in the handbell choir. She also worked the Los Hermanas Charity for several years and served on its board of directors.

She married Paul Bjelland in 1950. They divorced in 1964. She married Marshall Rothrock in 1966. He died in 1992. She also was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Lyle “Butch” Witt.

Survivors include two brothers, Glen Witt and wife Sharon, Moorhead, Minn. and Duane Witt and wife Carolee, Sandy, Ore.; a sister, Lois Olson and husband Witt, of Union City, Calif.; three sons, Timothy Bjelland and wife Diane, Costa Mesa, Calif., Tom Bjelland, Long Beach, Calif. and Eric Bjelland and wife Cheri, Holton; three granddaughters, Christine Deruiter and husband Jeff, Tracy Waldron and husband Kevin and Kim Bjelland; four grandsons, Marshall, Joshua, Rieder and Sean Bjelland; and a great-granddaughter, Finley Waldron. 

A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 18 at Christ Lutheran Church in Long Beach. Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683 is in charge of arrangements.