Rochelle Joyce Poulsen, 79, of Queen Creek, entered into eternal rest Oct. 23, at her home with her beloved family at her side. She was born July 2, 1939, in Pima, to Henderson Lee and Susana Rogers Costner with siblings Ray Lee, Mary, Katherine, Betty Jean, Bob, Connie Gail, Martha, and Marjorie Costner.
Rochelle attended schools in Pima and graduated from Pima High School before attending Eastern Arizona College. On Oct. 10, 1961, she married her one true love, Gary Poulsen, sharing Gary’s birthday with their wedding day. The family was soon blessed with children, Sherilyn, Marc, and Shawna Poulsen.
She raised her loving family and began working for APS as an office manager. She loved traveling and decorating her home and yard. She also enjoyed dressing nicely, making sure that everything matched, from head to toe. Her favorite activity was to dance with Gary. She said, “I feel like I am on a cloud!” Rochelle’s favorite was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Families were her most precious gift. One of her favorite sayings was, “You put me in first class, I’ll go with you” and some of her favorite quotes are, “We must be the kind of example worthy of imitation” by Heber J. Grant and, “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there” by Will Rogers.
Rochelle is survived by her loving husband, Gary Lee Poulsen; her daughter, Sherilyn, and son, Marc (Shannon) Poulsen; her sister, Martha Francese; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and her poodle “Pierre”.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Susana and Henderson Costner; her daughter, Shawna Lee Poulsen; and her siblings, Ray Lee Costner, Mary Merrell, Katherine Harmon, Betty Jean Morris, Bob Costner, Connie Gail Ham, and Marjorie Bryce.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, Nov. 1, from 5 until 7 p.m. at the McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel in Safford, Arizona. Another viewing will be held Saturday, Nov. 3, at 9 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Queen Creek Chapel located at 26023 S. Lemon Avenue in Queen Creek, with Bishop Chris Walker officiating. Interment will be in the Pima Cemetery on Saturday, Nov. 3, starting at 4 p.m.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
