If having a baby years after thinking you were long done with the bottle and diaper days is a surprise then Rochelle Ann Boster was indeed a pleasant surprise for her parents Darrell and Elda Boster.  She made her entrance into the family April 5, 1947 in Great Bend KS, days later joining her brothers and sister (Wayne Boster, Phillip Boster, Jan Boster Duncan, and Richard "Dick" Boster) in their home in Larned Kansas.  Her siblings immediately dubbed her "Rocky", a name that she carried for all of her life.

Before she turned one year of age she moved with her family to a farm outside of Burrton Kansas.  Here she grew up and learned disciplined work ethics early from her parents who diligently provided for their family on their dairy farm. While going to school in Burrton she watched and learned even more as her mother worked hard to finish her teaching degree. Rocky eventually followed her mother into the teaching profession, earning her bachelor's degree at Kansas State University and, adding a master's degree later from Wichita State University.

Rocky loved teaching and spent most of her career working in USD 259 in Wichita KS.  While in that district, she taught in the early grades, first/second/third (but definitely not kindergarten) in a number of elementary schools.  She spent some time teaching children with learning disabilities before returning to regular education.  Later Rocky accepted the challenge to trial a multi-age classroom that combined first, second, and third graders into one room.  She found this combination of children and ages to be most rewarding and effective in educating the children but it required much more from her as a teacher.

In 1991 Rocky moved with her lifelong partner, Susan Scholl, to Bozeman MT where she took an educational and working sabbatical.  Rocky loved her time in Montana, furthering her education, working to start a new magnet school, and enjoying all of the outdoor adventures Montana had to offer…especially Yellowstone National Park.

Returning to Wichita in 1993 Rocky moved back into the classroom but eventually put her skills to work in the administrative side of education.  Her first assignment was as an assistant principal at Rae Woodman Elementary.  Next she accepted the position as principal at Harry Street Elementary.  She and her staff improved the education of the students while she provided oversight and guidance as the school underwent an extensive remodeling that was complicated by asbestos remediation requiring the whole school to move to temporary quarters.  With a torn heart, Rocky left her beloved Harry Street to spearhead the establishment of USD 259's newest elementary school, Jackson Elementary.  Rocky was tasked with the job of taking Jackson Elementaryit from an empty building to a viable school.  She found it fulfilling to work with other USD employees to fill the building with everything…from paper and pencils to classroom furniture and new technology equipment and finally bringing together a new staff.

Throughout her life Rocky enjoyed watching her nieces [Shannon Duncan Atwill (Doug), Melissa Boster Anderson (Steve), Jill Boster Hathaway] and nephews [Phillip Boster, Jr. (MaryAnn), Kirk Duncan (Jean)] grow and enjoy life.  They, along with their children, became her "kids".  She also embraced Susan's siblings and their children as her own.  She lovingly shared many good times and milestones with them all.

Outside of work Rocky enjoyed spending time with family/friends, camping, traveling, watching women's sports, writing, and many hours of sewing and stitching quilts.  But perhaps her biggest joy was going to quilt stores and growing her "stash."  She continued lending her administrative skills and energy to various organizations (Wichita Area Retired School Personnel, Assistance League of Wichita, McCormick School Museum, and The Lord's Diner).

We thank the powers in the universe for allowing us to share her bright light until December 23, 2024.  A celebration of life will be held January 27, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Plum Shelter in Sedgwick County Park, 6501 W 21st Street, Wichita, KS.  Please come armed with stories to share and casual dress.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to:
• A memorial has been established with the Sedgwick County Zoo to be directed towards the "Our Growing Herd" campaign to help expand the elephant facilities in preparation for welcoming 5 new babies expected in 2025: SCZ.org  (Ways to Donate > Tributes and Memorials) or by phone:  316-266-8218 or mail: 5555 W Zoo Blvd, Wichita, KS,  67212

•    The Lord's Diner, 520 N. Broadway Wichita, Kansas 67214, thelordsdiner.org

Most importantly, perform a Random Act of Kindness in her memory.