A celebration of the life of Rebecca L. (Trowbridge) Blocher, 68, Lawrence, will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 31, 2017, at First United Methodist Church, Lawrence, Kansas. Rebecca died Saturday, March 25, 2017, at the Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri, following a brief illness. Inurnment in Lawrence's Oak Hill Cemetery will follow the service.

She was born January 4, 1949, in Ellsworth, Kansas, the daughter of Donald Louis and Josephine McKittrick Trowbridge. She lived in Wilson, Kansas, until 1957 when her family moved to Russell, Kansas. Rebecca graduated in 1967 from Russell High School and in 1971 from the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in language arts education. She earned a master's degree in 1996 in gifted and talented education, also from KU.

She married William Kim Blocher (Lt. Colonel USAF Ret.) on December 9, 1972, in Fairway, Kansas. The couple were stationed at Offutt Air Base in Omaha, Nebraska; Kingsley Field Air Base in Klamath Falls, Oregon; Ramstein Air Base in Kaiserslautern, Germany; and ultimately at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They welcomed their daughter, Erin Elizabeth, on May 15, 1981. The family were longtime members of Sunrise United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs. The couple ended their marriage in 1997.

Rebecca held civil service positions in the U.S. Air Force with USAF Europe Headquarters Manpower and the Air Force Academy registrar's office. She also coordinated youth education for Sunrise United Methodist Church.

During her career as an educator, Rebecca focused on high-ability learners. She worked with gifted learners as an honors English teacher, a building program coordinator, and a district level coordinator, serving in districts in Kansas and Colorado. She worked as the director of gifted education for Denver public schools and, for five years, served as the director of gifted education for the state of Oregon. She also was active with the National Association for Gifted Children and its state affiliates.

Rebecca was known for her hearty laugh, sense of humor, social nature, and close relationships with friends and family. She was a loving and devoted mother.

Survivors include her daughter, Erin Elizabeth Blocher, Kansas City, Missouri; a brother, David M. Trowbridge, Wilson, Kansas; a sister and brother-in-law, Caroline Trowbridge and Alan Zimmerman, Lawrence, Kansas; and a niece, Sarah Zimmerman, Seattle.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the University of Kansas School of Education or Wilson United Methodist Church, sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, 66044.

Online condolences may be posted at warrenmcelwain.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Mar. 28, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Rebecca Blocher

13 Entries

Marjorie DeBuse

April 21, 2017

As my colleague in the area of gifted education, Rebecca was smart, supportive and inspirational. Working in the Oregon environment that neither supports nor encourages gifted education to any great degree, Rebecca succeeded in bringing about significant changes that had eluded her predecessors and will affect children for years to come. She was a skilled and knowledgeable educator who shared her extensive experience and insights with students embarking on their careers in education during our shared teaching at the University of Oregon. Her delightful personality bubbling with laughter coupled with keen insights regarding those around her were a constant delight to me. I was sorry she she left Oregon and am even more sorry she has left this earth. She accomplished so much and will be so missed. Like all educators she helped create a future she will never see but her impact will be felt for generations. My heartfelt condolences to Erin, the love of her life.

Cheryl Linder

April 17, 2017

Please accept my condolences for your loss. As the Student Services Director for a school district in Oregon, I had the opportunity to work with Rebecca and appreciated how easy she was to work with. She always provided a sense of support even when she was delivering hard news.

Stacie Ankrum

April 5, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear of Rebecca's passing. I worked with Rebecca at the Oregon Dept. of Education, and she was both a passionate advocate for TAG students as well as a fun person to work with. I remember all the times she stopped by my "cube" to share her joke of the day and how we laughed! She was very proud of her daughter and so happy to be moving closer to her. I will miss my friend, Rebecca, and I send my deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Terri Nelson

March 30, 2017

I am so saddened by Rebecca's passing. I worked with Rebecca at the Oregon Department of Education. I missed her wit and laughter when she moved back to Kansas. I am so happy she was able to relocate to be near her daughter.

Cheryl Kleckner

March 30, 2017

I am so deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Rebecca. She was a treasured colleague at the Oregon Department of Education. I always so enjoyed working with her, talking about the connections between science and gifted education, and most especially talking about our wonderful only children whom we both loved so dearly. She was a warm, kind, funny, loving person who touched so many lives and made the world a better place. She will be deeply missed. She will always hold a special place in our hearts. May your loving memories of her comfort you.

Elisa Rodriguez

March 30, 2017

I knew Rebecca from the Oregon Department of Education and she was always smiling. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers but her laughter will always live in my heart.

Janet Trotter

March 30, 2017

My condolences. I remember "Becky" from our childhood. Your grandmother lived next door to us "the Millers". It is a small world as Rebecca worked with my son-in-law at the Ottawa school. God grant you comfort at this sad time.

March 29, 2017

I'm so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Pray to God for strength to endure your loss.-Philipians 4:13

Richard Spurlock

March 29, 2017

We had the honor of being Rebecca's neighbor in Lawrence. She was the light of the neighborhood - always energetic, positive, fun. She brought a joy to my family that was special and persistent with her laughter but also her insights, curiosity, and passion. I'm a better parent because of Rebecca. And Rebecca was a unique, insightful friend to my wife, Mary. And our kids, Brooke and Drake, absolutely love Rebecca - a special place in their hearts for her. It was my honor and delight to know Rebecca and Erin. You are in our thoughts and prayers. - Mary, Brooke, Drake, and Richard Spurlock

Sophia

March 29, 2017

Please accept my condolences. May I give your family comfort during these difficult times. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17

Nena Caro

March 28, 2017

Ms. Rebecca. You were such a joy to be around and always kept me smiling. I can't believe your gone. Thank you for the laughter and words of encouragement. You will be missed. To Erin, Thank you for sharing your mom with me. You all are in my prayers.

Chris Mulvenon

March 28, 2017

Caroline and family - I am so sorry for your loss, and my prayers will be with you. Please let "us" know if we can help you with anything.

Marcella (Bradford) Boldt

March 28, 2017

To Erin, David, Caroline and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I am a childhood friend of Becky's and I have many fond memories of birthday parties and many good times shared with Becky. I was glad that I was able to see and visit with her two years ago at Merms and will miss seeing her at the reunion. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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