Ronald A. Rogers

Ronald A. “Ron” Rogers, age 74, of Battle Creek, died March 31, 2008 surrounded by his loving family at Battle Creek Health System. Ron was born on January 24, 1934 to David and Ruth (Blonshine) Rogers at his mother’s family’s farm in Wyoming, MI. He grew up in Pontiac, MI and graduated from Pontiac Central High School in 1952. Ron married his high school sweetheart Judy B. Fuller on May 18, 1955. He started his career working for the State of Michigan in 1958 as a case worker at the Oakland County Bureau of Social Aide in Pontiac. Eventually he worked his way up to be the Director of the Department Social Services for Calhoun County, taking that position in 1974. Prior to coming to Calhoun County, Ron was the director in Tuscola County. He retired from state employment in 1995 after 37 years of dedicated service. Ron’s participation in community service included board member positions with the Thumb Area Catholic Social Services, Calhoun County Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Calhoun County Red Cross; as well as being a member of the Marshall Parks and Recreation Board. Ron and Judy were very active in the Jaycees and he served as director of the chapters in Caro, MI and Waterford, MI, and he also served as president of the Michigan Jaycees. Ron was awarded the rare distinction of JCI Senator (lifetime member) for his Contributions to the Jaycees. One of Ron’s biggest passions in life was amateur sports, and he was a walking encyclopedia for Michigan amateur sports. Being an alumnus of both the University of Michigan (’74) and Michigan State University (’76) – he had the best of both worlds for a sports fan in Michigan. Ron, known by his boxing nickname “Rocky,” was the Michigan Golden Gloves boxing champion in the welterweight class in 1953 and 1954. Ron coached youth baseball and softball teams in Pontiac and Caro, and coached the Michigan Jaycee’s track team to a national title in Iowa in 1970. Ron’s wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to him. Ron is survived by his beloved wife Judy; their daughters Shelley R. Rogers (Carl) Mathiak, of Marshall; Lindsey B. (Terry) Burdette, of Brooklyn, MI; and Holly (Reginald) Wooten of Dallas, TX; their sons Ronald (Shaya) Rogers, of Kalamazoo; Randall (Sun) Rogers of Tampa, FL; and Ryan (Ann) Rogers of Marshall; their 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Edward Rogers, and sister,Dorothy Rogers. He is survived by his sister Jackie Brookes of Pontiac. A memorial service to celebrate the gift of his life will be held at a later date. Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the Michigan Muscular Dystrophy Association. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.