Oda Roberts RockettKilpatrick Funeral HomeRuston, LAOda Roberts Rockett, born August 17, 1928, passed away peacefully in Baton Rouge, Louisiana late Friday, February 20, 2015 after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in her final days and moments. She was born in Coppell, Texas and graduated from Duncanville High School. With a growing need for nurses and having a calling to care for others, Oda was accepted to the Centenary Nursing School in Shreveport, Louisiana and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1945. Throughout her entire life, she felt a strong obligation to the medical community and had a true passion for nursing. It was while working in Shreveport after graduating that she met Glover O. Rockett, whom she married June 1, 1951 at First Methodist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. Upon moving to Union Parish, Oda was a teacher of nursing at Warner Brown Hospital in El Dorado, Arkansas where she also worked as a private duty nurse and floor nurse. She later furthered her career at Tri-Ward General in Bernice, Louisiana where she would become the Director of Nursing. She served on the Board of Tri-Ward General Hospital and also served as Chairman of the Board. Oda envisioned and formed the Pink Ladies Society, a volunteer group that assisted families of hospitalized patients at Tri-Ward General. She also held a position with “Kid-Med” through Tri- Ward General, worked with the Union Parish Health Unit in Farmerville, Louisiana, served as the Union Parish school nurse and participated in teaching within the nursing and healthcare industries. Oda had a passion and a spirit for caretaking and healing. She made people feel cared for and respected in their weakest moments. There are numerous accounts of her caring for people and saving lives both while on duty and off duty. She never thought twice about coming to the aid of anyone in need. Oda was a long-time resident of Spearsville, Louisiana, moving there in 1951. She cared for the town of Spearsville and its citizens a great deal. She worked tirelessly over the years to maintain and improve the Village of Spearsville so that the community she held so dear continued to offer an experience and quality of life she enjoyed with her own family for many years. She was a leader in community activism and fought for many important causes including lobbying state officials and legislators for animal control coverage in Spearsville. Her largest civic contribution came at the age of 82 when she successfully ran in a mayoral race for the Village of Spearsville in 2011. While holding the Office of Mayor, Oda secured several grants for the funding of town projects including renovations and improvements to Village Hall, the Municipal Building, and Town Hall. An accomplishment close to her heart was the revitalization of Village Park. Through grants, she and colleagues were able to enhance the park by adding a walking trail, playground equipment and picnic tables. Village Park is enjoyed today by residents and used for community events and festivals. Oda's love for family and friends was unwavering. She had a unique love for each and every family member and enjoyed taking part in the daily lives of her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren, rarely missing a special occasion or milestone in any of their lives. Oda was a loving wife, devoted mother, adored grandmother and great- grandmother and a loyal friend. She leaves a legacy spanning through three generations of hard work, determination, compassion, strength and community service. She enjoyed being with friends and family, her church, her Sunday school class, art, reading, volunteering and traveling. Oda is survived by her three daughters; Karen Rockett Gilbert, Marilyn Rockett Burgess and husband Gary Burgess, Kim Rockett Brantley and husband James Brantley; three grandchildren; Anisa Gilbert Politz and husband Dale Politz , Justin Ryan Brantley and wife Candace Brantley and Lindsey Bayless Wentzel; six great- grandchildren, Madisyn Paige Gilbert McCarthy, Juliana Michel Politz, Ava Garron Owens, Reagan Claire Wentzel , Geoffrey Marshall Wentzel and Elliana Glover Brantley; half- brother Jerry Roberts and wife Betty ; half-sister Jean Hamilton and husband Jim; and step-mother Margie Roberts and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Glover O. Rockett; husband Pete Hall; her mother Mitchie Sarah Prater; her father France Roberts; and her brother George Edward Roberts. Pallbearers will be Roy Baker, Erin Baker, Derek Baker, Jim Rhodes, Josh Kennedy and Ricky Rockett. Visitation will be held at Kilpatrick Funeral Home, 209 North Bonner Street in Ruston, Louisiana, Thursday, February 26 from 5-8 PM. Services will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, February 27 at Spearsville Baptist Church, 259 Spearsville Road, Spearsville, Louisiana. Burial to follow service at Spearsville Cemetery. Memorials may be mailed to the Village of Spearsville park fund in Oda Rockett's memory. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com