Willis D. Rothra

Willis D. Rothra
Willis Dann Rothra, 95, of Charleston, SC, and formerly of Mayville, NY, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025. He was a loving husband, father, and educator.
Born in Mayville, Dann graduated from Mayville Central School in 1948 and earned a degree in Education from SUNY Fredonia. He began his teaching career in Miami, Florida, in 1962 and later worked in the Homebound/Hospitalized Instructional Program, providing education to children with medical conditions.
Dann was married to Elizabeth J. “Libby” Ogren for over 50 years. They lived primarily in South Florida but often split their time between Florida and Chautauqua County. They enjoyed many adventures together, traveling to places like the Rainbow River in Florida and Gloucester, Massachusetts. An avid hobbyist, Dann loved raising tropical fish, riding his recumbent bike, making bread, and sailing.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kate and Frank Fleming of Charleston, SC; his nephew, Dann Valenza; and his niece, Janet Mayo. He was preceded in death by his wife, Libby, and his sister, Helen Valenza.
A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2025, at Lakeview Cemetery in Jamestown. Attendees should meet at the main cemetery office. For more information contact Dann’s daughter Kate at 843-442-5470.