Marjorie Ruth Rodgers

After living a full life at age 98, Marjorie Rodgers passed away at River’s Walk Assisted Living in Dayton on April 30, 2024.

Marge was born on July 11, 1925, in Ada, Oklahoma. She was the first child of Bun and Alta Bush. Marge and her sister Dean grew up in Texas and Oklahoma where their dad worked as a heavy equipment operator in construction. Education took place in many different towns.

In her junior year of high school, the family moved to Pryor, Oklahoma. Marge was named valedictorian, secretary/treasurer, and senior class queen of Pryor High School in 1943. This is where she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Jim.

Upon graduation she attended business college and worked as a telephone operator for Southern Bell. Marge also worked for the civil service, and it was said that she sent her future husband, Jim, his notice for the military.

After the war Marge and Jim married on January 17, 1948. College was now available to Jim, so they went to Warner, Oklahoma. On September 29, 1949, they welcomed Janis Dean to the family in Henryetta, Oklahoma.

Though most of their relatives were in Oklahoma, Jim, Marge and Janis packed up and moved to Washington State in 1953. Marge’s sister, Dean lived in Washington so that was a big draw for this new location.

James Donald was added to the family on March 29, 1956, while living in Richland, WA. With their family complete, Jim took a teaching/coaching job in Mabton, WA. For the next few years, moves were made to Aberdeen, Morton, Dayton and finally Walla Walla. Friends were made in every town!

Marge was happy to be a homemaker! She made sure her family was well loved and cared for. Her favorite pastimes were sewing, crocheting, needlework, reading, crossword puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles.

The study of God’s word was always important to her. Marge’s faith in God deepened with every church and Bible study she attended during their moves. Pioneer Methodist church became her place of worship during her fifty years in Walla Walla. The United Methodist Women’s group was a highlight for her as she spent time with close friends.

Grandkids became a loving addition to her life. They knew they were loved by a special lady.

Marge is survived by her children, Janis Gerlitz (Gordon), Jim Rodgers (Barbara); five grandchildren, Ryan Gerlitz, Chad Gerlitz, Jaclyn Clarry, Olivia Rodgers, Noah Rodgers; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, and great-grandson Gregory.

Many thanks to Dayton’s River Walk Assisted Living staff and Walla Walla Community Hospice for their love and devotion to Marge.

Memorial contributions may be made to Walla Walla Community Hospice through the Herring  Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.