Rachael “Rocky” Kokal

Rachael “Rocky” Kokal

Dec. 1, 1949 – Jan. 25, 2019

Rachael “Rocky” (Westerhoff) Kokal died at her Texas home on Jan. 25, 2019, at 69 years of age. Born in San Antonio to Raymond and Mary Riojas on Dec. 1, 1949, Rocky grew up on the city’s West Side and graduated from Jefferson High School. Rocky’s parents preceded her in death, as did her grandson, Michael Westerhoff.

She’s survived by her loving husband of 24 years, Joseph M. Kokal; children, Ray Westerhoff (Jammie) and Ryan Westerhoff (Suzanne Ohlmann); stepdaughter, Melissa Rodriguez (Jonation); sister, Rose Riojas; brothers, Raymond (Dee) Riojas and Roger (Patricia) Riojas; grandchildren, Reed Westerhoff and Jonation and Jayden Rodriguez; nephew, Ray; nieces, Rianna, Roxanne and Randi; and a host of friends, both in San Antonio and in Seward, where she raised her sons.

Rocky was known in Seward for her strong softball skills (best first base player ever), welcome smile at the Walmart pharmacy and attending all of her boys’ music, sports and theater events. Once she returned to San Antonio in 1994, she adored Timmy Duncan and the Spurs and treasured her volunteer time at Christian Assistance Ministry downtown. She loved morning walks with her dog, Raja, countless adventures with her beloved husband, Mikey, and beamed with pride at her son, Ryan, as he continued the family tradition in the San Antonio Fire Department. From birth until her death, Rocky had an immediate family member in the SAFD – her father, Raymond, her two brothers, Ray and Roger, and finally Ryan.

Rocky hung wind chimes from every possible location, including the steering column and rearview mirror of her Jeep, and will be remembered each time the breeze blows, flowers bloom and glitter sprinkles out of a greeting card. Her absence leaves a void, and no amount of sparkle or wearing the color orange (her favorite) will keep us from missing her sweet voice, long fingers, inimitable facial expressions and contagious enjoyment of life. Keep Rock close now that she’s gone: laugh hard, plant a garden and believe.

A funeral service was held Feb. 5, 2019, at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South in San Antonio, with interment at Mission Burial Park South.