Marcela Rooks

Marcela Rooks entered into Heaven Aug. 25 after suffering a stroke. She was under the excellent care of the North Valley Hospital staff in Whitefish when she passed away. She was surrounded by her daughter Thelma Hotzfield, son-in-law, her eight grandchildren, and two of her four great-grandchildren.

Marcela was born in the Philippines Dec. 15, 1941. She moved to Kodiak, Alaska with her daughter Thelma in 1966 after marrying Patrick Rice who was in the Navy and stationed in the Philippines.

She lived in Alaska (Kodiak, Anchorage, Eagle River, Chugiak, and Wasilla) for the next 41 years. For the past three years she lived with her daughter Thelma and her family in Whitefish.

“Marcy” was a loyal wife and mother and generous to those she cared so deeply about. Her grandchildren respected and loved her and always looked forward to spending time with their “Lola” knowing she would “spoil them and send them home.”

Marcy was an extremely hard worker who eventually retired from Safeway Store (Carrs) in Eagle River, Alaska. She was always proud of the things she earned through her hard work and was especially proud of her U.S. citizenship. She came to America not knowing much English and succeeded in becoming an independent citizen who earned a living and became an asset to society. She did not forget her roots and was always generous in sending gifts and visiting her home village in the Philippines.

Marcy loved life, enjoyed dancing, playing Mahjong, and socializing with her friends and family. She was known to have such a special laugh; especially when she was beating her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren in cribbage, catching salmon, or when her 49ers were scoring a touchdown. Her two favorite hobbies were fishing and more fishing.

Marcy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Thelma and John Hotzfield; as well as her grandchildren and their families, Chuck, Sarah, Landon and Logan Cloud; Christopher, Alejandra, and Chrystie Cloud; Matthew and Kelsey Cloud, Jonathan Cloud, (Elise and daughter Ariah Fahey-Balt), Marcela Cloud and soon to be born Ezekial, (Jacob Prestagaard), Marc Hotzfield, William Hotzfield, and Eden Hotzfield.

Her beloved husband Clinton Rooks, her son Wilson (infant death), and her first son-in-law Timothy Cloud preceded her in death.

Marcy’s ashes will be laid to rest next to Clinton and Timothy at Aurora cemetery in Wasilla, Alaska.