Sarah L. (Rockemann) Novotny Obituary (1951 - 2012)

Sarah L. (Rockemann) Novotny, 60 years of age, of Odell passed away at the Beatrice Community Hospital Sunday evening, February 5, 2012. She was born on June 3, 1951 in Beatrice to Delbert and Dorothy (Ruigh) Rockemann. Sarah was a 1969 graduate of Odell High School and a graduate of the Lincoln General School of Nursing. Sarah and John Novotny were married on August 28, 1971 at the First Presbyterian Church in Beatrice. She was employed at Lincoln General Hospital in Lincoln after graduation and then was a Registered Nurse for the Beatrice Community Hospital for over 30 years. Sarah was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Beatrice serving as Sunday School Superintendent, was an elder, member of the session, and was an honorary lifetime member of the Presbyterian Women. She was also a member of the Quiche Gang ("kee-chee"); and the OACE. Sarah enjoyed planting flowers, watching Husker sports, shopping, saving old buildings, antiquing, being a grandmother, and cruising in her convertible. Survivors include her husband John of Odell; son Joshua Novotny and wife Shannon and grandchildren Jacob and Jayna of Lincoln; daughters Jessica Novotny and Susan of Omaha, and Jordan Novotny and Nathan of Lincoln; mother Dorothy Rockemann of Beatrice; sister Kristin Jurgens and husband Terry of Odell; brother Daniel Rockemann and Gordon Stephens of New Carrolton, Maryland; sister in law Carol Schulz and husband Jay of Beatrice; 2 nieces Ginger Schaaf and husband Kurt, and Britt Rhodes and husband Brandon; 2 nephews Jared Lock and wife Johnna, and Spencer Lock and wife Bridget; great nieces and nephews Alyssa, Alex and Sawyer; and many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Delbert Rockemann; niece Stephanie; mother and father in law Wilma and Daniel Novotny; and many other family members including grand puppy Jack. A Celebration of Sarah's Life will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, FEBRUARY 18, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church in Beatrice with Rev. Dr. Jimmy Shelbourn officiating. The family requests casual dress for the service. Private burial of her ashes will be held at a later date. There will be no viewing, but a register book will be available from 10-5:00 Thursday, February 16th, and from 9-9:00 on Friday, February 17th at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice with the family greeting friends from 6-8:30 Friday. A family prayer service will be held at 12:45 P.M. Saturday in the church basement. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the First Presbyterian Church Elevator Fund, Rice Lodge and Conference Center in Odell, and the ALS Foundation with the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in charge. You may sign Sarah's guest book, watch her video tribute when completed, or send flowers or sympathy card at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.