Phyllis Corrine Mathews Rothrock, age 91, of Columbus, NC passed away suddenly in her home on Sunday, November 20, 2022.She was born in Yates City, Illinois to the late David William and Harriett Ware Mathews. After growing up in rural Illinois her family moved to Ames, Iowa where she attended Iowa State University. She received a BS in Home Economics with a major in Food & Nutrition & Dietetics. She was a member of the Chi Omega social fraternity which was a source of many lifetime friendships.Her initial career opportunities involved working in Davenport, Iowa as a Dietitian, as an Instructor at Iowa State, and as a Research Home Economist at General Mills (Betty Crocker) in Minneapolis. She then went on to work 30 years at Carnation Co, the last 5 years being after its acquisition by Nestle, the world's largest food company. She was the first woman Product Development Manager at Carnation. For almost 15 years, she had responsibility for the development and maintenance of all Carnation Food Service Products which included Instant potatoes, Contadina Tomato Products, Hot Cocoa and other dry mixes, and a line of canned products under the Chef-mate label.It was in Minneapolis where she fell in love and married her husband, Wallace Rothrock, fresh out of the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, Ca. They chose to live in sunny Southern California until 1992 when they chose Hendersonville, NC. For retirement.In the Hendersonville community she served on the Grant Committee for the Community Foundation of Henderson County where she had an endowment named the WALLY Fund. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Garden Club of Hendersonville, Glenbrook Inc. Homeowner's Association, and the Children and Family Resource Center Foundation. Her pastimes were bridge, garden club, traveling, and activities at the country club.She was preceded in death by her late husband Wallace Dale Rothrock, her sisters Harriett Mathews Eckstein and Katherine Mathews Buzby and her brother Richard Mathews. She had no children but is survived by 14 nieces and nephews who adored and enjoyed her! All who knew her loved her infinite positive outlook and tenacity. She was an extraordinary person who truly cared to make a difference. She will be dearly missed and was an inspiration to us all.In lieu of flowers you may donate to one of her favorite charities: Child and Family Resource Center, 851 Case St. Hendersonville, NC 28793 (828)-698-0674.There will be a small family celebration of life.
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