Echo Rockafellow Obituary

Echo Ada Marie Harnisch was born October 5, 1938, in Rapid City, South Dakota. She grew up north of Quinn with her sister, Elvera, and their parents, John and Velma Harnisch. Echo graduated from Quinn High School in 1956. Echo went on to attend Chadron State College for one year.

On August 25, 1957, Echo married her high school sweetheart, Richard Rockafellow, of Quinn, South Dakota. Through this union they were blessed with two daughters and one son. They lived in Buffalo Gap, South Dakota for three years then moved to Carthage, South Dakota for two years. Later moved to Ringsted, Iowa for eight years, Springfield, South Dakota for three years, Midland, South Dakota for three years, and Geddes, South Dakota for twenty-one years. They moved to Philip, South Dakota in 1999 upon Richard’s retirement.

Echo was a homemaker who loved to cook, sew, spend time with her family, and attend church. Echo’s stroke in 1973 did not keep her from being an avid sports fan. If the vehicle was moving, Echo was in the passenger seat ready to go. Echo’s passions in life were always her family and faith.

Survivors include her husband, Richard “Rock" of Philip; her three children: Rhonda (Rick) Coyle of Philip; Judy Rockafellow of Pierre; and Mark (Lisa) Rockafellow of Hartford, South Dakota; six grandchildren: Denise Biegler (Jeremy), Cody Sentell (Aimee), Brynn (Randy) Cotteau, Seth (Shelby) Rockafellow, Elliott (Nick) O’Donnell, Cole (Paige) Rockafellow, nine great-grandchildren; her sister Elvera (Tyrone) Moos; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Echo was preceded in death by her parents; her mother-in-law Lucille; and father-in-law Harry Monroe.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Philip Health Services and Scotchman Living Center.

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Lutheran Church in Philip or the activities department at the Scotchman Living Center.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 10, at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 11, at First Lutheran Church in Philip with Pastor Cindy Bisser officiating.

Private family interment will be held at a later date at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 127 Philip, SD 57567.

Service Details

VISITATION
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - 5-7 p.m.
Rush Funeral Home
Philip, South Dakota

PRAYER SERVICE
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - 7 p.m.
Rush Funeral Home
Philip, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICE
Thursday, November 11, 2021 - 11:00 a.m.
First Lutheran Church
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Cindy Bisser

MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
“How Great Thou Art”
“Just a Closer Walk With Thee”
Roger Porch - Soloist
“Wings of a Dove”
“The Old Rugged Cross”

USHERS
Harlan Moos - Jesse Hansen

PALLBEARERS
Denise Biegler - Cody Sentell
Brynn Crotteau - Randy Crotteau
Seth Rockafellow - Elliott O’Donnell - Cole Rockafellow

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All of Echo’s Relatives and Baseball Family

PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
AT A LATER DATE
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Guest Book

Rock and Family-
Echo was a sweet soul and so very fortunate to have such a caring and considerate family to love and care for her! She has been on my mind since I visited with you at the hospital and I was sorry to hear she had passed. She was a faithful woman, and his in His loving care now. Bless her heart. Prayers of comfort to you all.
~ Vonda and Jason Hamill Milesville, SD (11/9/2021)

Thinking of all of the family and sending hugs and prayers.
~ Linda Stilwell Kadoka (11/5/2021)

We are thinking of you folks during this difficult time. Hold on to all the memories. Take care everyone.
~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (11/10/2021)

Sympathies & love to your family <3
~ Amy Hofer Sioux falls (11/8/2021)

SD
~ Wayne Thomas Black Hawk (11/9/2021)

My condolences to the family of Echo Rockafellow. I will be thinking of you, Judy.
~ Lonna Carroll Pierre (11/5/2021)

Dear Rhonda & all of the Family, Your Mom was always cheerful and had a big Smile on her face; She was an Inspiration. May GOD Bless All of You in Your time of Loss & remember ALL of the GOOD Memories. Sincerely, Jerry & Kathy Noteboom
~ Kathy S. Noteboom 21309 Cabin Road (11/7/2021)

I am so sorry to hear of Echo's passing. Prayers for all her family. She will be missed.
~ Patricia Snook Rapid City (11/6/2021)

Rockafellow Family- we were so sorry to hear of Echos passing. We have many fond memories of her when we all lived in Geddes. She was always so kind and had a big smile for everyone. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
~ Mel & Brenda Fathke Avon, SD (11/9/2021)

I am so very sorry for your loss. May God hold you close during this difficult time. Sending prayers to the family.
~ Julie McLaughlin Midland, SD (11/6/2021)

CWS
~ Chris Ross Plattsmouth (11/10/2021)

~ Don Goodsell Lakewood, Colorado (11/9/2021)

So sorry to learn Echo had passed. She was a special lady. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I hope the good memories will give you comfort at this time.
~ Marcia Jackson Spearfish SD (11/9/2021)

Rock and Family, We ask the Lord to comfort and shelter you in your loss. May Echo rest in peace.
~ Michael and Barrie Held Huron (11/9/2021)

I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for the family of Echo.
~ Janet Penticoff Pierre (11/5/2021)

South Dakota
~ Jerry Lynne Luckett Mitchell (11/11/2021)

Rockafellow family,
I was saddened to hear about the death of your beloved Echo. I have great memories of times spent with your family growing up. Echo was always so nice and always had a smile to brighten the day. May the promise of life eternal give you comfort and peace.
Love,
Betsy
~ Betsy (Ahart) Knodel Freeman, SD (11/8/2021)

So sorry for your loss. It's hard to lose our moms. Echo was kind and caring and gave us girls wise advise. Rest in Peace Mrs R.
~ Micaela Donovan Wuehler North Platte, NE (11/6/2021)

I went to Quinn High School with Echo and she was always the friendliest school mate ever. May the good Lord Bless and Keep Her!
~ Margie Huether Martin Rapid City (11/6/2021)