The Troy community sadly lost a treasured educator when Martha-Jean Rockey, age 74, died Sunday morning, February 26, 2023, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Born to Alferd and Jean (Fraser) Zimmerman on Nov. 13, 1948, Martha-Jean graduated from Troy High School in 1966 and then earned a BA in English from Kansas State University. She accepted a position teaching English at Troy High School in 1974 and taught there for 42 years. She also took on the responsibilities through the years of directing plays, coaching the forensics team, sponsoring the school newspaper and yearbook, and leading T-Club. She retired from teaching in 2016.

Martha-Jean was passionate about her work with young people. She took great pride in preparing her students for college or for whatever lay ahead for them after high school. The 66 plays and musicals she directed were always memorable, well-attended productions. Her students won numerous awards and honors, and many consider her to be an important mentor in their lives. “I will always be one of ‘Mrs. Rockey- kids,’” said one of her former students.

Lyle “Mick” Rockey, her husband of 53 years, was Martha-Jean- supporter and companion in life. He survives of the home. Activities they enjoyed together include traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad, attending movies and plays, spending time with friends, caring for their pets, reading, and gardening. Martha-Jean also belonged to several organizations, including the SLK and teachers’ groups. She helped plan and carry out community events and played the piano for local churches and various ceremonies.

Martha-Jean was awarded the USD 429 Master Teacher of the Year in 1998-1999. In 2017, the school district named the Troy High School original gym/auditorium in honor of Martha-Jean and Mick, who also taught and coached in USD 429.

Left to mourn Martha-Jean- passing are her husband, cousins Linda and Jim Griggs and family and Debra and Jim Ewing and family, many other family members, as well as her numerous students, colleagues, and friends.

Funeral Service: 2:00 P.M. Friday, March 3, 2023.

At the United Methodist Church in Troy, Kansas.

Visitation: 6-8 Thursday evening at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas.

Friends may call after 9 A.M. Thursday at the funeral home.

Burial: Mount Olive Cemetery, Troy, Kansas.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to SLK Scholarship Fund, Doniphan County Pet Rescue or the Johnson Cancer Research Center.