KINGMAN — Valarie Jean Dellrocco, 49, passed away Oct. 2, 2024 at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita. She was born Jan. 27, 1975 in Great Bend, the daughter of Lenard Eugene and Patricia La Dean Elliott Smith.
Growing up in Pawnee Rock, where she enjoyed showing horses in 4-H, she was of the Christian Faith and a 1993 graduate of Larned High School where she played in the jazz band. After graduation she went on to graduate from Pratt Community College and proceeded to attend the University of Kansas until being diagnosed with kidney failure. After receiving a kidney transplant, she resumed her education and graduated from Emporia State University. Following the completion of her Bachelor’s degree, she began teaching at Pratt Community College as the graphic design instructor, where she taught for 16 years, while living and raising her family in Kingman. She enjoyed crafting, painting with “unicorn spit”, baking, canning, camping, and going to the lake. She loved her family, spending time with them and always turning any family gathering into a special celebration.
On April 22, 2006 she married John W. Dellrocco at Pawnee Rock; he survives.
Other survivors include her parents, Lenard and Patricia Smith, Pawnee Rock; two daughters, Shylo Jean and Willow Izabella Dellrocco, of the home; sister, Jessica (James) Rainbolt, Cedar Vale; brother, Cody (Katie Near) Smith, Ellinwood; grandparents, Nina and Bill Campbell, Cedar Vale; nieces and nephews, Taylor Rainbolt, Hayleigh Rainbolt, Walter Smith, Natalie Smith, Atleigh Rainbolt; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by grandparents, John D. Elliott, Walter and Eva Smith; great grandparents, George and Rosa Bolton.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned, with Pastor Wade Russell presiding. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 at Beckwith Mortuary with family present from 4-6 p.m. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 at Cedar Vale Cemetery, Cedar Vale. Memorials may be given to Valarie Dellrocco Children’s Fund in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Mortuary
P.O. Box 477
Larned, Kansas 67550
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 8, 2024
