KAY RODGERS

RodgersAug 18, 1933 - Feb 27, 2013 OKLAHOMA CITY Kay Lanette Lowis Rodgers, age 79, died at Canterbury Living Center, surrounded by her husband and sons. She was born August 18, 1933, in Colby, KS to Robert and Nell Lowis. She graduated from Colby High School in 1951 and later from the University of Kansas in 1955 with a degree in Pharmacy. She was a practicing pharmacist in 1958 when she met William Joseph Rodgers, whom she affectionately called "Billy Joe." They were married October 1, 1960, in Wichita, KS. Kay continued to work as a pharmacist until the birth of her first son, William Lance, in 1962. Two more boys would be added to the Rodgers household in the next few years: Robert Bradford in 1964 and John Jeffrey in 1967. In the early years of Bill and Kay's marriage, they moved from Kansas to Bellevue, Washington, and then to Stamford, Connecticut, where they eventually settled to raise their boys. Kay's greatest pride was her boys, and she relished the role of motherhood. Kay and Bill remained in Stamford until moving to Edmond, OK in 1985 to be closer to family. She was preceded in death by mother in 1952 and her father in 1998; her stepmother in 1984; and her Aunt Beu, who was like a mother to her after her own mother passed away. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, William Joseph Rodgers, of Oklahoma City; son, William Lance Rodgers and his wife Ellie, of Waldorf, MD; son, Robert Bradford Rodgers and his wife Lisa; and son, John Jeffery Rodgers -- all of Oklahoma City. She is also survived by a brother, Robert Lowis, of Malibu, CA; and four brothers-in-law and their wives, Don and Lynn Rodgers, of Crossett, AR, Charles "Shot" and Rita Rodgers, Scott, AR, Roy and Mary Rodgers, of McGehee, AR, and James "Jimbo" and Betty Rodgers, also of Scott, AR. She is also survived by a sister-in-law and her husband, Betty and Royce Christmas, of Hamburg, AR. She is also survived by her beloved granddaughter, Taylor Kay Rodgers, of Oklahoma City; and numerous nieces and nephews. Kay was known for her feisty sense of competitiveness, her love of tennis, golf, and fishing, and all things Jayhawk. One of her favorite things to do was the Rock Chalk Jayhawk chant — just to egg on her Arkansas-loving family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Kay Rodgers Memorial Fund (alz.org). Memorial services will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Edmond on March 15, 2013, at 11:00.