I just received an email from my mom telling me that one of her friends, and mine, from our old Mesa ward passed away today. There were many of the women in that ward who influenced my life but few more then Ann Rogers. She was my Mia Maid advisor and I got to know her pretty well because I was the Mia Maid president. Then after I started college she helped me get a job at her brother's clinic when I was at home. She was the accountant there so I saw her every day and really enjoyed her company.
I remember when she was called into Young Women all us girls were sceptical and probably a bit unfriendly towards her. She wasn't one of the 'cool mom's' who act just like one of the girls. She had lots of boys but only one daughter who was much older then us. In fact, one of the first things she did was veto one of our planned activities which, I think, was to go to the mall and do something (now which YW value would that have classified as?...) You can imagine that this did not make her very popular. But I can vividly remember thinking, as I was listening to all my friends complain and bash her (I might of joined in, I hope I didn't) I can remember thinking that she might not be as fun and hip as our other leaders, but that she had more substance, more dependability, more of what I wanted to be like when I grew up. As I came to know her more I learned that she was a smart, funny, kind, and generous person, one worthy of my emulation. She had many trials to bear, including the estrangement and rancor of her eldest son who left the church and disowned his family. However, just in the last while he has been returning to church and his family. I grateful that she was able to be here for that. She was diagnosed with leukemia just last Thursday and passed away today from a brain aneurism. I know that she is in a better and happier place, but I ache for her family. Its hard for us who are left behind.
5 comments:
I too remember my favorite leaders and each of them were not the "be your best friend" variety. They were patient kind and loving but also immovable in the gospel.
Sorry to hear of you loss.
I really didn't know Sister Rogers as well - she was after my time in YW and I never was friends too much with her kids. I am sad from afar. I think that her family should find some comfort that she didn't suffer too much chemo and therapy. I understand that's awful and painful and tiring and agonizing. So at least, while sudden, it was more peaceful for her - if not her family.
Brother Rodgers was our home teacher for years and years. I feel for their family right now. It sucks when you lose a parent, even when you are grown and I can't even imagine losing your spouse. I still miss Steve just as much as I did 3 years ago when he passed away. It never gets better, just different.
It's funny about you remembering all that in Y.W. were we split up? I don't remember any of that. I hope I wasn't talking trash.
It's strange when you grow up and have friends, friends parents, and people who you grew up with die. Life is such a precious thing and you never know how long you will have, but you hope that you live your life well enough that you will not have regrets. I know that when we almost lost Andrew last year, it felt like something was being torn away from our family, I can only image how that Rogers family is feeling. Our prayers of comfort are with them.
I was glad to see your post about sister Rodgers. I went to her funeral this week. It was a beautiful service all of her children spoke and said such wonderful things. I always remember her as our Mia Maid ad visor as well! I have always remembered her story about having her wedding rings stolen and praying and trusting in the Lord that they would be returned...and they were! I bet she had no idea some of her lessons have stuck with us to this day!
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