Neva B. Rogers' Obituary
Neva was born in Hampton, Iowa April 28, 1921 and passed away peacefully at her home in South Tacoma June 28, 2016 at the age of 95. She got her wish of being at home and was surrounded by those who loved her.
She and her son, Pete, moved to Tacoma in 1952 to be closer to her sister, Norma, where she met Bud Rogers. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married on January 10, 1953 and spent 57 great years together. Even after leaving Iowa, Neva remained a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church back in Hampton, which was a huge part of her Danish culture. She received their monthly newsletters to keep track of friends from her life growing up and to keep abreast of local news. Her Danish heritage was very important to her. She even went to Summer Dane School when she was little!
Neva was active in her children’s schooling through the PTA and always volunteered as a Room Mother in their early years. Being a homemaker also made it easy for her to be the Book Keeper to Bud’s “Rogers Welding” business.
She lived life to the fullest and enjoyed numerous outdoor activities with her family and friends. Family gatherings were always important to her and she was famous for her homemade “chicken and noodles” and “Spritz Cookies” at Christmas time. Canning fresh fruits, vegetables and making jam from local berries was something she did her entire life and remains an ongoing tradition amongst her children. She loved gardening, taking care of her plants (making sure her house looked the best on the block), camping & fishing, spending time at their beach place in Ocean Shores, razor clam digging, traveling to different places in their airstream trailer, and hunting and fishing trips to Conconully, Moses Lake, and Yakima – she was a pro at cleaning birds and fish! Later in life, being at the Ocean, beachcombing for shells and driftwood brought her so much joy. Sitting in the truck during clam digging season having her clams dug by someone else was a highlight for her and when asked, “How was the dig?” her response would be “Easiest limit I ever got”! It didn’t hurt that we always made a trip to the casino so she could play those penny slots either! Driving through Ocean Shores, counting the deer was such a small thing, but brought her much excitement - 65 was her highest count! It didn’t take material things to make her happy, being with family and friends was all she needed. She was a lifetime member of the Ladies Oriental Shrine Ahlab Court #67 and was a Greeter in the late 60’s-70’s. Who wouldn’t love being greeted by that smile!
She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Bud Rogers. Neva is survived by her son Pete (Judi) Atkins, and two daughters Debbie (Gene) Nakano, and Connie (Jack) Barlow and Grandchildren; Richelle, Jim, Jeramie, Richawna, Jerad, Brad, Nikki and many Great Grandchildren.
Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Thursday July 7, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Mountain View Funeral Home, Tacoma. Interment will be June 7, 2016 at 11:00 Old Tacoma Cemetery 4801 So. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409.
There will be a celebration of her life on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at the “Amvets Post 1” 5717 So. Tyler St. Tacoma, WA at 1:00 pm. Please set this date aside so that we can honor Neva’s life and surround ourselves with family and friends full of love and memories of her.
If it wasn’t for her private caregiver, Eletha, she would not have been able to be at home. The love and caring that “E” showed to mom was always professional yet nurturing, gentle and compassionate. We will always make room for her in our family with love and gratitude as we now have this wonderful, new, lasting relationship.
The family also wants to thank Multicare Hospice Home Health for their wonderful care.
Memorial contributions can be made in Neva’s memory to Shriners Hospital for Children 2900 Rocky Point Dr. Tampa FL 33607 or www.shrinershospitals.org/Donate
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