Carol Lucille Rothrock

Carol Lucille Rothrock, 88, of Dover, Ohio, passed away on February 19, 2026 at Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital in Dover. Born on January 28, 1938, she was the eldest daughter of Luman Dallas and Ethel Irene (Reidenbach) Cryder.

After graduating from Freeport High School in 1956, Carol went on to further her education at Muskingum College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Carol was a charter member of the Delta Phi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She was employed by the Indian Valley school district where she taught as an elementary teacher and dedicated over 25 years to education. On June 30, 1979, Carol married Rev. Richard Eugene Rothrock with whom she shared over 40 years of loving marriage until his passing in 2021. She was a devoted pastor’s wife, graciously giving her time and spirit to numerous churches throughout the area. Carol was a beautifully skilled organist and pianist, and would often play during church services. In her youth, she was a member of West Union Church in Gilmore, and after her marriage, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Dover where she was a member of the choir. In her free time, Carol enjoyed word puzzles, crocheting, and creating intricately designed quilts. Above all else, Carol enjoyed spending time with her sister and best friend, Kathryn, the pair being nearly inseparable.

Carol is survived by her sister, Kathryn Cryder; brother-in-law, Don Casteel; daughter-in-law, Meribeth Rothrock; grandchildren, Nikki (Shawn) Robinson, Chris (Kendra) Rothrock, Timothy (Suzanne) Cookson, Darla Carlisle, Jeffery Heavlin, Karen (Hal) Litton, and Cathie Southern, and numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her sister, Judith “Judy” (Cryder) Casteel; an infant brother; and her children, Robert Cookson, Mike Rothrock, Carol “Kay” Heavlin, and Lois “Mitzi” Domingue.

Pastor Wesley George will officiate a 1:00 p.m. funeral service on Monday, March 2, at the R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison, Ohio. Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery near Dennison. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, prior to the service. Those wishing to honor Carol’s memory through a charitable donation are encouraged to do so to West Union Church, 13679 Gilmore Rd., Port Washington, OH 43837 and Dover First United Methodist Church, 1725 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, OH 44622.