Rochelle Mackey graduated with her bachelor's degree in journalism from Arizona State University in 1959. Rocky was a member of ASU's first graduating class, and she remained a lifelong Sun Devil fan, later retiring from the ASU Alumni Association where she worked as an international tour guide.

From 2002 to 2004 Rocky served on the Board of the ASU Retirees Association and also as editor of the Prime Times newsletter.

Her career took her around the world, visiting no fewer than 87 countries and requiring extra pages to be added to her passport multiple times.

Rocky prioritized and cherished all her relationships and is survived by her son, daughter, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.