Marmie Ray Rockett

Marmie Ray Rockett, 91, passed away peacefully at Maple House Assisted Living in Santa Cruz, CA, on April 8, 2025.

Early Life:

Marmie was born in 1934 in Chickasha, Oklahoma, the third of four sons born to Lavilla and Paul Rockett. Following the tragic death of his father, and then his beloved older brother, Rudy, Marmie, along with his mom and brother Dale, packed up the family car and headed to the San Fernando Valley in the early 1950s.

Education/Career:

After graduating from San Fernando High School, Marmie pursued his passion and became a licensed contractor, eventually owning and operating his own company, Rockett Construction, for 44 years.

In the 1970s, Marmie brought his family to the Santa Cruz area where he proceeded to build many one-of-a-kind, artistic homes up and down the coast - from Santa Cruz to La Selva Beach. His homes were always constructed with great craftsmanship and skill.

Family:

Marmie is survived by his wife of 66 years, Diane, and daughters Karen and Lisa, in addition to many other family members.

Highlights:

Marmie was known for his quick wit and intelligence. He was a kind and good man with a strong desire to assist others, especially when it came to sharing his deep faith in the Bible with others. He could accurately quote scriptures and provide contextual background information with gentle ease and precise poignancy. This "gift" barely diminished as he grew older.

Marmie was an ardent student of history throughout much of his life. In addition, he greatly enjoyed showing hospitality to others, either playing chess or pinochle. He was known for setting up multiple pinochle tables with his friends and playing long into the night when most others had already headed home to bed!

And Marmie had an unmatched gift for storytelling! With a spot-on ability to recall fascinating stories and events that he experienced throughout his long and fruitful life. His close friends knew to just put their feet up, settle in, and be prepared to hear a great story.

Last (but certainly not least), Marmie sustained his "love affair for the ages" - a long-time marriage of 66 years with his beloved and beautiful wife, Diane. Simply put, he was devoted to her. They shared everything together throughout the decades - joined together in tenderness, harmony, affection, and respect. And these qualities he showed for his wife never wavered. This truly may be one of his greatest achievements - steadfastly showing true love and devotion to his wife for decades.

Marmie believed deeply in the Bible's promise of a resurrection to a cleansed earth under God's Kingdom by his son, Jesus. (Rev 21:3, 4). Those of us who loved Marmie look forward to welcoming him back with open arms and full hearts - and we can tell him the history of the Great Tribulation, the war of Armageddon, and the beginning of the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus. He will put his feet up, settle back, and listen with a full and grateful heart.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 2:30.

Location: The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 960 Brommer Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.