03/05/2026
In Loving Memory
Dorothy Jean (LaRock) Skinner
April 15, 1939 - March 2, 2026
CAMDEN, NY - Dorothy Jean (LaRock) Skinner, 86, of Camden, New York, passed away peacefully at Sunset Nursing Home in Boonville, New York. She was born April 15, 1939, in Rodman, New York, the beloved daughter of Leon LaRock and Myrtle (Benton) LaRock.
On October 16, 1960, Dorothy married the love of her life, Luther Lamont Skinner Jr., at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Turin, New York. As newlyweds, they began their farming life together at Sunny Brook Farm on Skinner Road. They later owned and operated Skinner Valley Farm on Di**le Road, and eventually farmed and retired on Howd Road in Camden, New York. Luther was a dedicated dairy farmer, and Dorothy faithfully worked beside him while raising their three children.
Dorothy was an accomplished author of three books and began writing her first manuscript at just 17 years old. She also wrote a Scripture-based pamphlet entitled Winged Thoughts. For a number of years she delivered the Queen Central News, Camden’s local newspaper, even contributing her thoughts to the publication frequently through Letters to the Editor.
Her writings reflected her deep faith and her appreciation for seeing God in nature, which continually inspired her heart and spirit.
A devoted member of the Westdale (Camden) Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Dorothy served faithfully as a youth leader for many years. Her love for God was evident in the way she lived, through service, hospitality, and encouragement to others.
Her home was always open. She welcomed young and old alike to gather around her table for meals lovingly prepared from homegrown fruits, vegetables, fresh milk, eggs, homemade butter, and bread. Among family and friends, she was known for her famous bean soup, Aunt Dorothy’s Potato Soup (also known as Billy Soup), and her prepared dandelion greens, which were collected from her yard with her grandchildren. No one left her home hungry, and all left feeling cared for.
Dorothy and Luther welcomed neighborhood children as if they were their own. Sharing the joys of farming and the many adventures that came with it. The open fields, horseback riding, goats, kittens — which were Dorothy’s pride and joy — and puppies provided endless memories. Having both been raised on farms themselves, it was their dream to give their children that same faith-filled, country upbringing.
Dorothy is predeceased by her beloved husband, Luther Lamont Skinner Jr (2021); four sisters, Gladys LaCelle, Alice LaCelle, Virginia Oaks, Nina Ingersoll, and Vivian LaRock; and three brothers, LeRoy, Kenneth and Donald LaRock. She is survived by her children, Jamie (Debra) Skinner of Taberg, NY, Rebecca (Theodore Sr.) Chase of Boonville, NY, and Jeremy (Lisa) Skinner of Camden, NY; five grandchildren, Nicole, Teddy Jr. (Katalin), Jacob (Kayla), Sullivan, and Jeremy Jr.; and five great-grandchildren, Elijah James, Nathan Luther, Heidi Brooke, River Dorothy, and Noah Luther.
Dorothy loved God deeply, and her appreciation for His presence in the beauty of nature shaped her life. She was passionate about making sure everyone around her knew about the love God has for them. She lived with strength, grace, and unwavering faith. Her family finds comfort in the promise of that awesome reunion in the sky.
Dorothy’s Celebration of Life will be held on March 15, 2026, at 2 PM at Rome Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 6739 Sutliff Road, Rome NY 13440. Arrangements are in care of LaRobardiere Funeral Home, 109 Main Street, Camden, NY.
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27
Please share memories and condolences at https://www.larobardierefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Dorothy-J-Skinner?obId=47488534