Obituary of Anita T. Rolph

Anita Thoren Rolph, 87, formerly of 116 Whitehill Ave, passed away at 9:40 a.m. Tuesday (December 21, 2010) in the Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center. Anita was born November 20, 1923 in Jamestown, NY a daughter of the late Arthur and Olga Swanson Thoren. She was a 1941 graduate of Jamestown High School. In her early career years in Jamestown, she was employed by the Dahlstrom Metallic Door Company, American Aviation Corporation, the U.S. Employment Service and the former Jamestown Telephone Company. Anita moved with her family to Lakehurst, New Jersey in 1948. While residing there, she was active in the Parent Teachers Association as well as the Lakehurst Methodist Church. Anita, who was musically gifted, played both the piano and organ, directed music programs and also served as President of the United Methodist Women's Group. In 1965 the family relocated to Marlton, New Jersey where she continued her role as a valued member of the Marlton Methodist Church. She also volunteered at the Marlton High School Library where she enjoyed working with the young people. She and her husband Robert returned to the Jamestown area in 1976 where they found their new church home at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. She courageously fought the effects of Multiple Sclerosis for over 30 years before entering the Lutheran Home in 2001. Her happy and positive attitude has always been a blessing to her family and care givers and a source of encouragement to all who knew her. Surviving are her husband of 66 years, Robert H. Rolph whom she married August 5, 1944 by Rev. Felix Hanson of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Three daughters Sheila (Jerome) Hammar of Hudson, OH, Barbara Rolph of Merritt Island, FL, Patricia (Robert) Hall of Richmond, VA. Robert and Anita are proud grandparents of David (Delores) Bauders of Shaker Heights, OH, Christopher (Belinda) Bauders of Largo, FL, Judson and Joshua White of Merritt Island, FL, Kimberly Hall of Arlington, VA, Kevin Hall of Richmond, VA, Stephanie (Harry) Drake of Chicago, IL, four great grandchildren Maximilian Bauders, Emily Kenville, Brandon and Clayton Lundy, two sisters Georgia Darroch, Leonore Swan both of Jamestown and a brother Daniel (Sally) Thoren of Salem, NH. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by a sister Beverly Driscoll who died April 7, 1999. The funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday (December 27, 2010) in the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. The Rev. Alison L. Leitzel, Pastor will officiate. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Frewsburg, New York. Friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, (December 26, 2010) in the Lind Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 825 Forest Ave. Jamestown, NY 14701 or to the Lutheran Social Services, 715 Forest Ave. Jamestown, NY 14701.