Obituary of Anita Marie Rocker
Anita Marie Allen was born in Monroe, Michigan on January 20, 1954. She was the daughter of Thomas Allen and Emma (Mckinney) Mendez, but raised by her Stepfather; Manuel Mendez. She graduated in 1972 from Monroe High School and thereafter married Ralph Rocker. The couple would be blessed with three children: Reginald, Sylvia, and Alaina. Anita was employed for thirty-three years by General Motors Company, working in assembly as a Quality Control Specialist and retiring in 2009.
A lifelong Monroe County resident, Anita, valued education and enjoyed challenging her mind as she was a lifelong learner. She enjoyed watching Jeopardy and completing crossword puzzles. She loved language so much that she taught herself Spanish. This new-found skill led to her own business, “Vamanos” (meaning “let’s go”), transporting Spanish speaking migrant workers during the Summer months who were seeking seasonal work. She made many Latino friends, loved to dance, and was ultimately known as Dona Anna “The Queen”.
She was a devout Christian at a young age attending Goodwill COGIC under the guidance of her grandmother, Annie Aguilera. Anita was a great singer with an angelic voice, who didn’t mind praising the Lord. She later became a great help to her brother Bishop Rance Allen as an Administrator, while she attended New Bethel COGIC. After an introduction from her grandchildren to Monroe House of Prayer, she became a member and later attended Oaks of Righteousness. She was very active with the drama department of both churches, using her gift of writing plays and skits as an opportunity to share the gospel. Anita was a loving and wonderful mother who continually expressed the importance of family values, education, and resilience. She always encouraged her children to accomplish their personal and professional goals and to never allow mistakes to determine their future!
Anita Marie Rocker, age 68, of Monroe passed away at her daughter’s home on Saturday; July 16, 2022. She had been under the care of ProMedica Monroe Hospice for the past week. Her passing was preceded by her parents; her stepfather; her former husband; and her brother: The Bishop Rance Allen in October of 2020.
To cherish her memory she leaves three cherished children: Reginald (Candace) Allen of Charlottesville, Virginia, Sylvia (Rickey) Harris of Monroe, and Alaina Robertson of Monroe; five sisters: Judy Rocker, Annie (Carl) Ford, Cecilia (Anthony) Chapman, Teresa Mendez, and Linda Mendez; five brothers: Thomas (Joyce) Allen, Steve (Teresa) Allen, Esau (Agnes) Allen, Manuel “Lito” (Krystal) Mendez, and Andre Mendez; a sister-in-law: Ellen Allen; thirteen grandchildren: Trevor Short, Reginald Allen, Kalia Allen, Kyren Allen, Kaela Allen, Triniti Wilkins, Emani Rocker, Marcus Harvey, Dvaja Robertson, Mario Robertson, Manuel Robertson, Daniel Robertson, Joshua Robertson; and eight great grandchildren.
Friends may gather from 11:30am until 1:30pm on Saturday; July 23, 2022 at Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Homegoing Celebration of Her Life will follow at 1:30pm with Pastor Tracy Palm and Pastor Heather Boone officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.
Memorials are suggested to the Oaks of Righteousness or House of Prayer. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.