Elsie Rock

Major Elsie Theresia Rock was Promoted to Glory on September 11, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and Salvation Army officer, she lived a life of faith, service, and love, reflecting the nature of the Savior she loved.

Elsie was born and raised in Elmira, New York, the youngest of the five children of Gerald and Edna Wellman. Active in The Salvation Army throughout her childhood and adolescence, she entered the Soldiers of Christ Session (1960–1962) at The Salvation Army School for Officer Training in the Bronx, New York one year after her high school graduation.

After commissioning and service as a lieutenant in Saratoga Springs, New York, she married Norman F. Rock on June 8, 1963. They began their shared ministry as corps officers in Malone, New York, and the following year opened the work in Massena, New York. They would go on to serve as corps officers in Oneonta, NY and Rome, NY, before leading camp and children’s ministry programming in the Western NY Division and serving in many other divisional headquarters roles.

Though deeply devoted to Salvation Army ministry, Elsie’s heart belonged to her family. She and Norman joyfully welcomed three children: Ivan, Kevin, and Brenda, and happily included them in many of the corps and camp activities that were a part of their ministry.

When her children were grown, Elsie served at Territorial Headquarters as Volunteer Services Bureau and Program Service Director and Territorial Assistant Home League Secretary, then with Norman as Regional Coordinators for Delaware in the PENDEL Division.

Following their final appointment in the office of the Secretary for Personnel at Territorial Headquarters, Norman and Elsie retired to Millersville, Pennsylvania, where they were active soldiers at the Lancaster Citadel Corps. After Norman’s death, Elsie lived in Port Deposit, Maryland, and later in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

A treasured friend, Elsie was loyal, trustworthy, and deeply relational, faithfully sending letters, cards, and greetings to the many people she held dear.

Elsie will be lovingly remembered by her children, Ivan (and his wife, Christine), Kevin, and Brenda; her grandchildren, Jessica, Bryan, Abigail, Adam, Isabelle, Allyssa, Rocky, and Alexandria; her great-grandchildren; and many cherished friends and family members. She is reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Norman; her parents; her siblings (Kelly, Roger, Violet, and Joyce); and other dear family members.

A funeral service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at The Salvation Army Corps Community Center, 20 East Pomfret Street, Carlisle. Her viewing being held from 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. with refreshments following.

Flowers or donations supporting the Carlisle Corps may be sent to the above location address. A private committal will be held later at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York.