Dorothy Kovalchick Roark

December 31, 1925 - June 10, 2020

Facebook

visitation

No visitation

service

Kilpatrick Funeral Homes - West Monroe

1321 N 7th St.

West Monroe, LA 71291

318-323-9614 |

Saturday 6/27, 10:00 am

cemetery

No Burial

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Dorothy Kovalchick Roark at 10:00 A.M., Saturday June 27, 2020 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home on North 7^th Street in West Monroe, LA..

Dorothy was born December 31, 1925 to John Kovalchick and Anna Lucas Kovalchick in Sagamore, PA. Dorothy met her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ June 10, 2020 surrounded by her family and friends. Dorothy is preceded in death by her mother and father, John and Anna Kovalchick, her brother Edward Kovalchick, her brother Johnny Kovalchick and her husband Earl C. Roark.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter Denise Evans (Thomas), step-daughter Gail Odom, step-son E.C. Roark Jr (Carol), granddaughter Brooke Evans, granddaughter Nicole Evans, grandson Tim Evans (Holli),4 step grandchildren, 7 step great-grandchildren, 1 step great-great grandchild,her brother Nicholas Kovalchick, many nieces and nephews, special friend Herman Chapman, along with other cherished family and friends.

Among her many accomplishments, one of her most defining was her baseball career. Dorothy played baseball with an all men’s team from 1940 – 1948 with the Kovalchickswhere she was known as “The Queen of Diamonds”. The team was led by her father John or “Bounce” as he was well known. Her favorite position was first base. Dorothy was signed by the Fort Wayne Daisies of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in 1945 but went back to the men’s team after only one season. Dorothy was inducted into the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame and has her baseball banner on display at the Armstrong Sports Hall of Fame in Kittanning, PA.

After her baseball career ended, she moved to West Monroe, LA where she began a new career in real estate, opening Century 21 – Dorothy Roark. Dorothy was also known for the many parties she hosted, always with a theme featuring her Slovak pastries from recipes handed down from her mother. After retirement, she was able to pursue her passion for travel, write a book (Uncertain Destiny) dedicated to her father, and win second in an international quilting competition with her first and only crazy quilt.

Special thanks go to her caregivers Kaye, Lesley, Lori and Shirley, who are loved and part of our extended family. Their kindness, compassion and strength during this long journey will forever be appreciated and remembered.

Dorothy will forever be the “Queen of Diamonds” in the hearts of all who loved her.

No visitation

Kilpatrick Funeral Homes - West Monroe

1321 N 7th St.

West Monroe, LA 71291

318-323-9614 | Map

Saturday 6/27, 10:00 am

No Burial

Make a Memorial Donation

Donate Now

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Dorothy Kovalchick Roark at 10:00 A.M., Saturday June 27, 2020 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home on North 7th Street in West Monroe, LA.. Dorothy was born December 31, 1925 to John Kovalchick and Anna Lucas Kovalchick in Sagamore, PA. Dorothy met her Lord and Savior Jesus ChristContinue Reading

See Condolences

A few years ago, I contacted Mrs. Roark to order a copy of her book for my father, who grew up in Sagamore. Dad was not a fan of gifts, but he routinely read excerpts from that book for years to come. I enjoyed my brief correspondence with her and found her to be charming, witty and very sharp. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. She was a true gem.

I am from Dayton PA and would have dinner and spend time with Dorothy when she would come to PA to visit. Was so sorry to find out that she had passed away. We will cherish memories and fun times with her. Know we are thinking of you and express our sincere sympathies to your family.

Aunt Dorothy will be missed by all who knew her, D

Dorothy was such a sweet lady. I met her years ago. She also told the best storys about her life. She even gave me one of her baseball cards. I wish i knew where I put that card. She is up in heaven playing ball like she did when she was younger having a great time. Rest in piece Dottie!

Sending all of my love and prayers to Ms Dorothy’s family. She was a blessing to me. I am honored to have known her and be able to call her a friend. Her memory will forever live in my heart.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

I didn't know Dorothy at all, but she was a trailblazer for women and I am grateful. I had no idea we had such a famous lady in our town and it's my regret that I didn't meet her. Praying that precious memories fill the hole in her family's hearts.

In 1972 my wife and I met Dorothy when we purchased a home with her help. We will miss her unique charm and will always miss her. She was a wonderful person. May you rest in peace in a special place in God's Home. Butch & Linda Beckham

There a few people in our life who fulfill us, are there for us always, and someone we can share everything and anything with. Aunt Dorothy was one of those people for me, and I will miss those experiences immensely. Her caring spirit lifted me many times, as well as the many interesting stories and adventures she shared with those she loved. My dear aunt will be missed, but I know she is enjoying heaven and likely entertaining others in her unique and loving fashion as usual. I am better for having known her.

I will dearly miss the many great times we enjoyed over many years, especially the wonderful stories of baseball life, and my aunt's intriguing time growing up in western Pennsylvania during a very tough era. She was the life of the party as it is said. Her baseball skills were capable enough that Branch Rickey, general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, wanted her on the team during her career. The baseball commissioner proclaimed, I was told, "there will be no women in major league baseball," ending that request. That is just the tip of the iceberg of her fascinating life. R.I.P. for all you gave us.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.