Cleo D. Rothwell

Cleo Danita Hales-Rothwell, age 62, of Middletown, DE peacefully transitioned from this life on May 1, 2022 at Temple Hospital surrounded by family. She was born on June 3, 1959 in Chester, PA to the late William P. (Radio) Hales and the late Ida B. Armstead Hales. Cleo attended the Chester Upland School District and graduated Class of 1977. She married the love of her life, David Kym-Rothwell, originally on August 18, 1982 and later held a celebration with family and friends on July 2, 1983. Cleo not only became the admirable mother of Shante and Kyumyo but was also a loving stepmother for David Young. Later, Cleo earned her Bachelor of Science Degree and Teaching Certification from Widener University in 1994. Although she was offered positions in more affluent areas, it was highly important for her to give back to her community. Cleo ended up teaching for the Chester Upland School District for the next 25 years. Along the way, she earned her Master of Education Degree from West Chester University in 2002 and received special recognition for her excellence in education and dedication to teaching future generations on multiple occasions. In her early years, Cleo looked forward to spending her summers with family in Autryville, NC. There on the farm with her siblings and cousins, she particularly loved feeding the chickens and driving her grandfather’s tractor. Singing in the church choir and the Chester High School chorus in addition to working on the yearbook committee were other engaging pastimes for her. As an adult, Cleo played a pivotal role in keeping the family together, in-laws and friends alike. She organized family reunions, vacations, birthdays, celebrations, and countless family get-togethers. No one will ever be able to forget enjoying their favorite foods during her spectacular Thanksgiving dinners year after year. Cleo was a woman of many skills and interests. She took joy in sewing, knitting, growing fruits and vegetables, cooking and baking, writing poetry, singing, dancing, and trying new foods of different cultures. Cleo really knew how to live life. She cherished her time spent going on dates with her husband, visiting museums and aquariums, going on cruises, watching movies, getting her hair styled, getting pedicures, reading on the beach, shopping on the boardwalk, and traveling to new lands. She especially appreciated quality time with her six granddaughters, challenging them to dance competitions, which she typically won (there is video evidence). Cleo was loved by all. She gave encouragement to others in times of need. She never tried to change people. She accepted them for who they were and used her wisdom to help guide them to become an even better version of themself. She will be truly and dearly missed and will remain forever in our hearts. Cleo was preceded in death by her sister Karen Hales-Carney. She leaves to cherish her memories: husband, David Kym-Rothwell; daughters, Shante Rothwell (Yusuf Woods) and Kyumyo Rothwell-Rowe (John Rowe); stepson, David Young; granddaughters, Maliyah Rothwell, Amyah Rothwell, Shylah Rothwell, Tinyah Rothwell, Kyoko Rothwell-Rowe, Michiko Rothwell-Rowe; brother, Michael Hales (Natte Russell Hales); and sibling-in-laws, Kim Thornton (Ted Thornton), T. Lamont Rothwell; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and past students.

Cleo D. Rothwell

June 3, 1959 - May 1, 2022