Basilda Reese Rockhold, 85 of Lima, passed away March 27, 2024, with her loving family by her side. Basilda was born April 15, 1938 in Lima to J. Arthur and Elizabeth (Parrott) Reese, who preceded her in death.
On March 29, 1958, she married the love of her life, Jon E. Rockhold, who survives her. Basilda graduated from Lima Senior High School in 1956, the school's first class. She was heavily involved in both vocal and instrumental groups and ensembles, and was an accomplished flautist and pianist. At Lima Senior, she was active in student council and French Club and with other musicians often performed for civic and service groups.
Basilda graduated with a B.S. in Education degree from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Education degree from Miami University. She also completed additional graduate study at the University of Dayton and Michigan State University. Basilda taught in the public schools in Ohio and a year in Michigan, primarily as an elementary music teacher. She served as a Master Teacher by providing music education methods workshops and seminars for Miami University and Bluffton College and supervised the work of several prospective elementary music teachers.
Basilda influenced hundreds of teachers and thousands of students in the value of education and the importance of enjoying music. Further, she served as an Elementary Supervisor and subsequently as Assistant Superintendent for the Hardin County Schools. During this time, she held several notable regional and statewide offices, including President of the Ohio School Supervisor's Association among various other leadership positions. Basilda served as Superintendent of the Upper Scioto Valley School District, led the efforts to pass the first successful operating levy in the district's history and she was also the first female superintendent in the region. Basilda served as an adjunct assistant professor of education for the University of Dayton and Ohio State Lima.
As a second career, Basilda served as Resident Services Director and as Interim Administrator of Otterbein Cridersville following her retirement from public education. A true lover of music, she served as choir director for groups of all ages for Trinity United Methodist Church, Lebanon United Methodist Church, High Street United Methodist Church, and Westside United Methodist Church.
Basilda served on numerous boards and committees, including Secretary of Friends of Music of Northwest Ohio, Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Board President of the United Methodist Church Lima District, President of the Allen County Council on Aging, President of the Allen County Retired Teachers Association, board member of the Church United Pantry, a member of the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees for the Lima YWCA, and a Co-Chair of the Christmas Tree Festival. She was selected in 2011 as a member of the Lima City Schools Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Basilda played an active role, in both leadership and fundraising activities at High Street United Methodist and Westside United Methodist.
Most importantly, Basilida was actively involved with all aspects of her family. There was no higher priority. She loved attending all of the activities and events associated with her sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she cherished those moments. Basilda's teaching and values carried on to her family. She always helped her family improve on their various skills and hobbies, making them the best they can be. Basilda loved her family, and they all held a special place in her heart.
In addition to her husband, Basilda is survived by her sons, Brian K. (Meg) Rockhold and Eric R. (Jennifer) Rockhold; grandchildren, Hannah (Matt) Slavin, Logan Rockhold, Conner Rockhold, Amelia Rockhold, and Miranda Rockhold; great-grandchildren, Griggs, Palmer, and Webber Slavin and her sister, Tolanda (Dan) Kronfield. She was preceded in death by her brother, Donald A. Reese.
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services - Bluffton Chapel, and again from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services - Shawnee Chapel.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions may be made to the Lima Public Library, 650 W. Market St., Lima, OH 45801 or Lima Allen County Chamber of Commerce, where the funds will later be directed to the Lima Public Library, 144 S. Main St., Suite 100, Lima, OH 45801 or online at http://limachamber.com/
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com/
