Marcia RockeyColumbus Junction, Iowa

Marcia Elaine Rockey of Columbus Junction, a beacon of love and compassion, passed peacefully into heaven on September 3rd, 2026, at Colonial Manor in Columbus Junction surrounded by the love of her husband and daughters. She leaves behind a legacy built on Christ, family and selfless service.
Marcia and James’ love story began at a graduation party. The moment Marcia locked eyes with the young man everyone called “Rockey,” something in her heart told her that he was the one. She knew immediately that she wanted him in her life. Their love endured, and before long, Marcia and James were married. They would go on to share 56 years of marriage, building a life and a family together. Marcia was deeply, completely in love with her husband. Their love and bond were truly once in a lifetime. Their marriage was a beautiful example of devotion, partnership, and a love that endured through everything life brought their way.
Marcia had known exactly what she wanted from the beginning. She once told James plainly, “I want a family.” And through God’s perfect plan, that is exactly what she received. Her unwavering dedication to her family and nurturing spirit allowed her to flourish not only as a mother but also as a cherished grandmother. A lifetime of love. Eight grandchildren. And 56 years with the man she loved.
Marcia’s first calling was as a full-time mother. She devoted herself to raising her four daughters—Heather France, Shawn Rockey, Tonya Rockey, and Mindy Boller (Jason)—whom she cherished above all else. She loved her girls with her whole heart and made sure they knew they were loved, supported, and never alone.
Marcia's professional life was a testimony to her compassionate nature. Through her work at various nursing homes and the University of Iowa, she not only provided essential care for those in need but also infused her workplace with her genuine warmth, kindness, and a prayer when needed. Friends and colleagues alike often turned to her for advice, comfort, and support. Marcia was more than just a caregiver; she was a confidant to many, always ready to lend a listening ear or offer assistance. This nurturing instinct extended to her home, where her daughters found solace in her unwavering support and guidance. That was Marcia. She gave freely of herself, her time, and her heart—not only to her family, but to friends, neighbors, patients, and even strangers. She had a gift for making people feel seen, valued, welcomed, and loved.
One of Marcia’s greatest sources of joy was her role as a grandmother to Regan, Carly, Harper, Marshall (Morgan), TJ, Ashlee, Jac, Lillian, Easton, and Violet. Each of her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and the memories forged during grandma sleepovers and driveway parties will forever resonate with them. These experiences were more than just pastimes; they were a testament to Marcia's belief in the importance of family gatherings and creating memories. She treasured the simple moments spent together—playing outside with the animals, baking, creating art projects, and simply enjoying one another’s company. Her grandchildren will forever carry the love of their Grandma in their hearts.
The Sunday meals after church, where laughter and love were abundant, epitomized her commitment to nurturing family traditions. After church each Sunday, Marcia would come home and prepare a huge family meal, always making sure her parents, Lyle and Violet, were included. She loved having her home filled with the people she loved. Her philosophy was simple: “The more the merrier!” Her family will forever remember those Sundays—the laughter, the love, a house full of family, and the unmistakable smell of her famous fried chicken coming from the kitchen. Those meals were never just about food. They were Marcia’s way of loving people. She opened her home, her table, and her heart to everyone.
Marcia loved being outside, gardening, tending to her flowers, and pulling weeds. She loved her animals, yard sales, drawing, and making handmade cards and sketches for her family.
She was also an incredible cook and baker. Her family will forever remember her homemade cinnamon rolls, fresh bread, and caramel pecan rolls.
Above all else, Marcia loved Jesus. Her faith was the foundation of her life and the source of the love she so freely gave to others. She was a woman with a truly beautiful heart—beautiful inside and out. Her relationship with Christ was not simply something she talked about; it was something she lived through her kindness, compassion, generosity, and willingness to serve others. Marcia and her husband, James, were longtime members of Hillcrest Baptist Church, where their faith was an important part of their lives together.
As we remember Marcia Rockey, we celebrate a life dedicated to Christ, love, service, and family. She will be profoundly missed, but the memories of the joy she brought through her caring nature, festive gatherings, and shared experiences will be treasured forever.
The bonds Marcia created extended beyond her immediate family. She was deeply connected to her parents, in-laws, special sister-in-law, and her dear friend Janet, all of whom she eagerly anticipated reuniting with in heaven. This profound connection to her loved ones reflected her understanding of the importance of relationships, which she cultivated throughout her life and passed down to her family.
She will be deeply missed by her beloved husband, James; her four daughters, Heather, Shawn, Tonya, and Mindy (Jason); her grandchildren, Regan, Carly, Harper, Marshall (Morgan), TJ, Ashlee, Jac, Lillian, Easton, and Violet; extended family; friends; former patients; church family; and all those blessed to know and love her.
Marcia was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Lyle and Violet Krueger; her beloved mother-in-law and father-in-law, Edith and Richard Rockey and son-in-law Cody France among others.
The family is especially grateful to the wonderful nurses and caregivers at Colonial Manor and with Compassus Hospice who cared for Marcia with such tenderness, dignity, and love. Their compassion and devotion brought comfort to Marcia and her family during her final days, and they will forever be appreciated.
The love she poured into her family and everyone around her will continue through every generation that follows. And, even on the bad days, we will Always be “Mighty Fine.”