Rochella Foster

Rochella Thornberry Foster (Sissy) longtime resident of Gallipolis, Ohio passed away at Riverside Hospital, Columbus, Ohio on December 21, 2021. Rochella, age 81, was born October 8, 1940 in Stone, Kentucky to Elmer and June (Francis) Thornberry. Rochella was an honor student at Stone Grade School, Belfrey High School and Pikeville College where she received her teaching degree and taught elementary school for 33 years. She was a wonderful teacher that loved teaching and her students. She taught school in Stone, Kentucky, Bladensburg and Gallipolis, Ohio. Rochella was baptized at the Stone Missionary Baptist Church as a young teen. She became an active member in the choir and taught various children’s classes and programs. She is survived by her son, Matthew (Tina) Foster; grandchildren, Tyler Burns and Katelyn Foster; and five great grandchildren. Sisters, Bonni (Thornberry) Coyer Stewart, Laquita (Ken) Steggeman; brother, Roger (Donna) Thornberry; Stepsisters, Linda (Maynard) Carter, Betty (Maynard) Justice; stepbrother John Maynard. Nieces and nephews, Katrina(Tim) Coyer McNelly, Nikole Coyer, Jackie (Nate) Coyer Kauffman, Serena (Tim) Thornberry Kassner, Heather Thornberry, Brian (Betsy) Steggeman, Eric T. Steggeman and many great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Nancy Lynn (Foster) Sanders; grandparents, Hade and Rebecca (Griffith) Thornberry, John and Cora (Mounts) Francis Justice; stepmother, Fannie (Varney) Maynard Thornberry and many loving family members. Rochella was beautiful, intelligent, artistic, funny, a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend but she will be remembered most for her big heart, her kindness and her loving spirit shown to all. Per Rochella’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to the Hospice of your choice. The Willis Funeral Home in Gallipolis, Ohio is assisting the family. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com.