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Lela Rogers

Feb 28th, 1945 - Nov 17th, 2021

Celebration of Life Ceremony: 3 p.m. Sunday, June 5, 2022,at Orchardville Church

Visitation will follow at the church in addition to one of Lela’s favorite things: ice cream 

 

   Lela Rogers, 76, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, in Lake Wales, Florida, near where she and her husband had enjoyed spending recent winters.

   Lela was born on February 28, 1945, in Flora, to Edgar and Winifred Smith.  She married James Rogers on December 22, 1963.  They had one son, Dan, now of Nashville, Tennessee. 

   Lela worked tirelessly alongside her husband on their Xenia family farm for many years.  One of her favorite examples of having worked hard was that she was proud to have push-mowed the lawn just hours before giving birth to her son.  Additionally, she had been employed alongside co-workers and friends at the International Shoe Factory and had served multiple terms as an elected trustee for Xenia Township.  She attended the Orchardville Church.

   Lela enjoyed the simple things in life including family and great friends.  She grew big, beautiful Zinnias and a bountiful vegetable garden on her farm south of Xenia in the summertime.  Lela loved to go to yard sales (especially when accompanied by her good friend Lynn Wesner) and public auctions, and her family and friends will enjoy some of her “finds” for years to come.  She loved country music, particularly her very favorite, Loretta Lynn.  She enjoyed listening to Nashville’s WSM Radio and the Grand Ole Opry.  She kept her radio on all night, every night.  Lela kept loved ones’ memories alive by using their recipes to prepare favorite foods including zucchini cake, chicken and noodles, and refrigerator pickles.  Lela never met a banana split she didn’t like.  

   Throughout her life, Lela championed the underdog.  If she thought someone was being left out, she befriended him or her.

   Even when faced with Parkinson’s Disease over the last few years, Lela always looked out for others more than herself.  Among those who will miss that concern are her husband and son; a sister: Gail Lewis of Iuka; a sister-in-law: Carolyn Smith of Xenia; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Don and Shirley Rogers of Sullivan; her mother-in-law: Elizabeth Rogers of Flora; and extended family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Mike; and others including her beloved Aunt Mic.

   A celebration of the life of Lela Rogers of Xenia, who passed away last fall, will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at Orchardville Church in Orchardville. Visitation among family and friends will follow at the church in addition to one of Lela’s favorite things: ice cream. Guests are invited to dress casually as they come to celebrate Lela’s life.  Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora is assisting the family.  Memorial donations are suggested to Orchardville Church (ochurch.com) to assist with its summer camp program and will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com

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Condolences

Dawn Rae Smith

November 18th

Lela She will always be my Ethal .I will always be grateful that I was Blessed with the pleasure of her company and the memories of her that I will cherish forever in my heart . I truly loved her she had the sweetest most loving heart and soul always so chipper .Anytime I got to be around her made my day soo much brighter she truly would light the day up wherever she was. I have missed her soo much Now it's even more so because my chance to see her again and hug her her on earth is gone but I will get to in Heaven I'm truly Thankful for that LELA "ETHAL" RODGERS MY HEART AND SOUL WILL MISS MY BESTFRIEND FOREVER I LOVED YOU AND JIM "FRED" BOTH WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL. JIM "FRED" AND DANNY. MY HEART GOES OUT TO BOTH OF YOU. SHE WAS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HEARTED AND PUREST SOUL OF "ANY ONE I HAVE EVER KNOWN,EVER IN MY LIFE" IF THERE ARE ANGELS ON EARTH I TRULY BELIEVE SHE WAS ONE GOD BLESS YOU BOTH JIM "FRED" AND DANNY AS I SAY PRAYERS FOR YOU BOTH FOR GODS HANDS TO HELP YOU THRU THIS TIME OF SORROW ALL MY LOVE AND PRAYERS DAWN RAE "LUCY " SMITH

Jim & Janice Frost

November 18th

There is an old time saying "no one works harder than a farmer except a Farmer's Wife". This sums up Lela. She was so uplifting and truly an inspiration to me. Jim and Dan our sympathy and condolences to you both.

Mike and Sharon Gray

November 17th

So sorry for your loss. Lela was a wonderful friendly lady. Prayers of comfort for all the family and friends.

Micheal W & Kristal G Engelmeier

November 17th

Jim et al, we are so sorry to hear of Lela's passing. I first met her, at the Shoe Factory when I was 18, and quickly became friends. She was a wonderful lady and so much fun to work with. Our friendship over the years never failed as we talked briefly when we passed. It's been several years since I've seen her and this news tugs at the heart strings. Prayers to you and your family.

Norma and Ivan Barnett

November 18th

We are so sorry to hear of Lela"s passing. Prayers for all her family and friends.

Joe & Pam Harrell

November 18th

We are so sorry for your loss. Lela was a very sweet lady and she will be greatly missed by her many friends, neighbors and family. Prayers for the family during sad and difficult time.

Lynne Toombs Gocey

November 18th

Sorry to hear this. We went to school together but haven't seen her for years.

Gary and Rita Cooper

November 18th

We are So Sorry for your Loss... Such a Sweet and Caring Woman. She will be missed...!

Billy and Candy Harrell

November 18th

Mr Rogers & Dan, we are so very sorry to hear that Lela is gone. She was such a sweet soul and would do anything for anyone. I remember her farming with Mr Rogers and thinking she needed to rest! We miss both of you since we moved, now it’s hard to think we won’t see her again. (But ONE day!)

Trudy Zimmerman Stanford

November 18th

Lela was such a devoted person to her family and friends. She did work hard on the farm in Xenia. I am glad I was fortunate to have known her. ❤

Barbara and Henry Gill

November 18th

Lela was a special lady, so kind and friendly. Our sympathy to her family.

Ed and Wanda Harrell

November 18th

Sorry for your loss. May God give comfort and strength. Love and prayers❤️🙏

Karl & Kristy (Woomer) Kramer

November 19th

I remember ' Jim & Lela' references growing up, always good. I believe you, Jim, were in school with my Dad, Joe Woomer, and were friends. So sorry for your loss. God's Blessings from our family to you.

Hayle gray

November 19th

Im sorry for your loss, Lela will be missed by many she was such a wonderful lady! Prayers to the family

Stephen Sr and Ruthie welty

November 19th

Keeping you all in prayer. Lela was a special sweet person.

Gary and Pam Sessions

November 19th

Lela was a very good friend and neighbor. We are going to miss her immensely.

Steve Welty SR

June 1st

Sorry to hear of my cousin's passing'' I cannot be at her service, but Ruthie and I extend our deepest condolences.

Walterene Pearce

June 7th

So sorry... God bless

 

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Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services

500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839

Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]

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