Betty I. Rodgers

Betty I. Rodgers, age 88, of rural Patch Grove, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at Grant Regional Health Center, Lancaster, after over two years of grace following strokes, mini-strokes, and a final brief illness. Betty was born in Monmouth, IL, on January 10, 1929, to Elmer J. and Dorothy E. (Larimer) Ray. She graduated from Monmouth High School. Betty worked at Bowman's Shoe Store and Romano's Grocery Store prior to her marriage. She had a lifelong love of writing, learning and interest in current events; she put those to use in her work at Prairie Christian Academy as a monitor for many years. Betty married Eugene E. "Gene" Rodgers in the Roseville Christian Church on December 7, 1947, whom she "met" via the letters they exchanged during his time in the United States Navy during World War II in response to a request from his sister.

Betty and Gene were dedicated parents to Sharon, Terrell, TX; Julie Anne and Kerry, Onalaska; Loree (Bob) Nies, Patch Grove; Stephen (Tina), Gillette, WY; John and Robyn at home. She was grandma to Jeremy (Cara), Joanie, Jessica Rodgers; Jennalea (Chase) Vieth; Renee, Monica, Skylar, Simon Rodgers, all of Gillette, WY. She was great-grandma to Allie, Carter, Brooklyn, and Taya Rodgers, all of Gillette, WY.

Betty is further survived by her sister, Joan Haase, Monmouth, IL; sister-in-law, Annette Ray, Grand Forks, ND; brother-in-law, Leland Rodgers, Roseville, IL; nieces, nephews, along with many good neighbors, her church family and true friends, who by her own report, were true blessings throughout her life with Gene and in the years since his Homegoing.

In addition to her parents and her husband Gene, Betty was preceded in death by her sister, Marilyn Algren; her brother Paul; three brothers-in-law, Marvin Haase, Glen Algren, and Roland Rodgers; three sisters-in-law, Lois Fackler, Evelyn Rodgers, and Margie Rodgers.

Betty was known for her sense of humor, quick wit, love of writing and dedication to her Lord and her family. This was evident by the devoted wife, mother, and faithful member and church secretary at the Bible Baptist Church in Prairie du Chien that she was. She was a woman of Christian character which was possible because she gave her life to the Lord, putting Him first as she wifed, mothered, neighbored, lived, and worked in the places He placed her. Betty was known for being content with what she had and felt she "had it all" here in this life. Betty is separated from her family now even as she is present with the Lord, but went to Heaven secure in the knowledge they will join her one day as the Lord calls them home.

Isiah 40:31

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall wake and not faint."

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bible Baptist Church, 110 South Marquette Rd, Prairie du Chien, with Pastor Andrew Doll officiating. Burial will be in Union Nagle Cemetery, Patch Grove Township. Family and friends may call on Friday, July 21, 2017, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory, 512 Canal Street, Bloomington. In keeping with Betty's wishes, there will be no visitation on Saturday prior to the funeral service at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Betty I. Rodgers Memorial Fund has been established.