Elizabeth “Betty” Adams Rockwell

Legislative Resolution

View Legislative Resolution File for Elizabeth “Betty” Adams Rockwell

Biographical Information

The following is from the Legislative death resolution:

The Honorable Elizabeth Adams Rockwell passed away on June 20, 2001 at her home in central Phoenix.

Betty Rockwell was born into a prominent family that has deep roots in Arizona history and politics.  Her grandfather, J. C. Adams, served as mayor of Phoenix, fought for statehood and built the legendary Adams Hotel, where legislators once roomed and informally conducted many of their meetings.  Her mother, Margaret Adams Rockwell, was a Republican National Committeewoman.

Miss Rockwell served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 1965 until 1989.  During her twenty-four year tenure, she gained a well earned reputation for her hard work, absolute integrity and guilelessness charm.  Among her accomplishments, Miss Rockwell was proudest of her role in the creation of a community college system that is viewed as a model for the nation.  She was also instrumental in establishing the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame.

After leaving the legislature, Miss Rockwell was able to focus on other forms of public service.  Intensely civic-minded, Miss Rockwell accepted offers to serve on many boards, including the Arizona Cancer Society and the Arizona Historical Society.  Her energy to serve her state and community never flagged, and her many interests extended well beyond politics.  She will fondly be remembered for her generosity and loyal friendship and for a life dedicated to civic duty.

This, from an obituary by John Stanley ("Ex-Legislator Betty Rockwell , 72, Dies Remembered For Her Dedication To Civic Causes."  The Arizona Republic, June 22, 2001, p. B 4) gives a flavor of her life:

She was friends with actress Veronica Lake and once was a stand-in in one of her films.  Ethel Merman sang at her cocktail parties.  Though she never married, Rockwell dated Clark Gable and was once engaged to George Roosevelt, Theodore's grandson.  She attended Ronald and Nancy Reagan's wedding.  While listening to the 1948 election returns on the radio at a local party, she introduced the visiting Jack Kennedy to her friend, Barry Goldwater....

Employment

Arizona Legislative Service

Sources

Birth: POB:  Arizona Legislative Biography sheets, DOB:  SSDI (AZ Leg Bio sheets for 1965 and ‘66 had DOB:  9/4/1922 (sic), 1971,’73, ‘75, ‘77, & ‘83 had DOB 9/4/1924 (sic)); Death:  SSDI:  Elizabeth A. Rockwell, obituary:  John Stanley.  "Ex-Legislator Betty Rockwell , 72, Dies Remembered For Her Dedication To Civic Causes."  The Arizona Republic, June 22, 2001, p. B 4