Danita Kay Rocha

Danita Kay (Noller) Rocha of Swink, Colorado departed this planet on April 18th, 2023, at the age of 58. She was born early Sunday morning, February 21st, 1965, at the Mennonite Hospital (now AVRMC) in La Junta. She was the eldest daughter of Dan and Marsha Noller, and the proudest big sister of Wendy and Kristi, whom she adored.

Growing up she loved being social, riding her motor bike, fishing, and sailing with her sisters and parents. She was a member of the Pom-Pom Squad at LJHS, and started off the Noller Sister tradition of being a waitress at Hickory House.

She held many different roles in the community she so deeply cherished. Her longest role was with the Colorado Department of Corrections, where she had many dear coworkers. Her favorite and most imperative role, though, was being a mother to her three daughters and her stepson. It was what she lived for, what she treasured so very much. Life revolved around baseball and softball, theater practice, dance rehearsals and countless extracurricular activities.

Danita and her husband Matt have been married since Dec 18th, 2005, but dated for years before that. Their first date was all the way back in 2000, a sandwich at Potter Park. Mom learned that day Matt didn’t like mayo or guac on his sandwiches. They enjoyed going to the movies, going out to dinner, motorcycles, being with their dogs, being with their friends and family, home renovation projects, and watching their children grow.

Danita was bursting with light; Her unmistaken laughter was the loudest in the room. She had a laugh that was undeniably contagious. She didn’t know a stranger, and was so curious about people and their stories. She loved loud music, adventures, the ocean, her dogs, and her friends and family deeply. Danita’s love for life and people was bottomless, infinite, and never-ending. She’d do anything in the world for someone in need.

In Danita’s departure, we hold her close within us. As she would, let’s look for light in the dark, let us seek connection, and support. And let us find encouragement within ourselves, within our society, and in those gifts that make each of us special: the inexpressible mystery and extraordinary beauty of the simple human heart. She will eternally save a seat for any and all of you, when we meet again.

She is survived by her husband, Matt Rocha of Swink; Children Dänya, Audrey, Jaime Herrell, and Josh (Jalissa) Rocha; Mother Marsha Noller; Sister Wendy (Bill) Owen; Sister Kristi Noller; Mother in-law, Jennie Rocha; Sisters and Brother-in-law Judy (Angel Ortiz) Rocha, Anna (Tony) Walisky; Scott (Kelli) Rocha; Janie Rocha, Nieces and Nephews; Tyler (Ashley) Owen, Sean (Sarah) Owen, Augustine Razo, Jalene, Jodi, Julie (Tony), and Joe Rocha, Desiree (Andy) James and Zak Walisky, Brandi, Nathan, Nick (Ashley) Rocha, Brandon (Mimi) Mata, Zach (Megan) Mata, and a impressively long list of wonderful nieces and nephews. Beloved dogs Fredrico and Theo. She is preceded in death by her father, Dan Noller; and Father in-law, Joe Rocha.

Danita’s Celebration of Life will be at 10:00 a.m. Inspiration Field, April 29th, 2023, 612 Adams Ave La Junta, CO 81050

In lieu of flowers those wishing to do so, may make memorial contributions to the Desert Waters Correctional Outreach, an organization out of Colorado that helps DOC staff and employees surrounding trauma-specific wellness and resources. https://desertwaters.com/fundraising/donate/ or Correctional Peace Officers Foundation https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=B8FSTK2R6UT4L

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.