Oct. 12, 1930 ~ Feb. 16, 2025
Marjorie J. (Russell) Rogers passed away peacefully on Feb. 16, 2025, in Meeker. Marge was born Oct. 12, 1930, on the same family ranch she lived on her whole life. She was the daughter of George Russell and Mary (Hendrix) Russell.
In her younger years she enjoyed helping in the hay fields and riding on the forest permit with her father. She attended Meeker schools 1st through 3rd grade where her father George drove her to town, then went on to attend the Mesa school from 4th through 8th grade where she rode her horse Silver to school everyday no matter the conditions.
After graduating from Rio Blanco County high school in 1948, Marge attended Mesa Junior college in Grand Junction, Colorado. Graduating from there she then attended and graduated from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado. She began her teaching career immediately following in Del Norte, Colorado. The following year she returned to Meeker, where she taught a total of 30 years as well as being involved in the family ranching operation.
She married Allan L. Rogers in 1955 and had two sons, Rusty and Ben, as well as a stepson, Lance.
Following her retirement in 1992, she enjoyed spending much time working with her family on the ranch and traveling. After the passing of her husband, she became very interested in researching Rio Blanco County rural schools. One of her highlights through this was the restoration of the Coal Creek Schoolhouse.
She enjoyed watching her grandchildren in all of their sporting events and other activities including the county fair. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and they loved their time with her. Marge persevered through many obstacles throughout her life, but being the strong woman she was she overcame with grace.
Marge was preceded in death by her parents George and Mary Russell, husband Allan Rogers, brother Donald Russell, son Lance Rogers, and son Rusty Rogers. She is survived by her son, Ben Rogers and wife Jamie; her four grandchildren, Cole, Charlie Ann, Cienna and Cambrey Rogers; two grandchildren, Andrea (Jim) Lippo and Candice (Huy) Ngo; as well as five great-grandchildren.
Services were held Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, at St. James Episcopal Church in Meeker, Colorado, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the completion of the belfry at the Coal Creek Schoolhouse are welcomed. Donations can be sent to the Rio Blanco County Historical Society at PO Box 413, Meeker, CO 81641 or dropped off at the White River Museum. Please note “Rural Schools Fund” on the memo line.
