Obituary of Harriett Elizabeth Rockefeller

Smethport - Harriett Elizabeth Rockefeller, 99, of Smethport, formerly of Farmers Valley, died Saturday (December 28, 2013) in the Lakeview Senior Care & Living Ctr., Smethport. She was born Oct. 4, 1914 in Farmers Valley, a daughter of George Alva and Rebecca Beckwith Rockefeller. Miss Rockefeller was a Common School Course graduate of the Public Schools of McKean County, the Keating District in 1928. She graduated with honors from Smethport High School’s class of 1932, which consisted of 45 members. It was the largest class to ever graduate from Smethport High School at that time. After high school, she attended a two year course in secretarial studies from The Drexel Institute of Art Science and Industry in Philadelphia, PA in 1934. She then attended the State Teachers College at Indiana, PA, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1941. She received her Master of Arts degree from New York University in the School of Education in 1949. Harriett taught business education for 37 years at Smethport High School. She was a member of the Norwich Grange #2018 for over 85 years, the McKean County Pomona Grange, and was Pianist for many years at both Grace Chapel Full Gospel Church and the Coryville Church of Faith. She also was a member of PASR, a member of the McKean County Historical Society, and volunteered for many years at the Hamlin Memorial Library in Smethport. She received a National Rifle Association Junior Diploma in 1939, certifying her as an instructor and designating her as a Sharpshooter (Fifth Class). She is survived by several cousins: Teresa A. Ford of Shinglehouse, PA; Nelia Kemp of North Chili, NY; Virginia Kilpack-Carr of Bedford, NH; Donna Hashway of Hixson, TN; Karen Russ of Gainesville, FL; Patricia Cadwalader of Chico, CA; Lois Youkers of Trophy Club, TX and her very dear friend, Marilyn Brown of Farmers Valley, PA. She was preceded in death by her parents. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at a later date and time to be announced at the Coryville Church of Faith. Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery, Farmers Valley. Memorials may be made to Hamlin Memorial Library, Smethport, PA. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.