Terrence J. Rogers

Terrence J. Rogers

Terrence J. Rogers passed away at the Volcano Cliffs Beehive assisted living facility on Friday, June 6, 2025, from complications resulting from double pneumonia. He and his fraternal twin brother, Jerry were born on March 16, 1943, to Walter and Helen (Mezga) Rogers in Cleveland, Ohio.

Terry attended parochial schools through eighth grade and graduated from Parma High School in 1961. After working at various jobs for a couple of years, he decided to enroll at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. With help from his mom, Terry was able to earn his bachelor's degree in biology in 1968 and his master's degree in 1970. From there, he went to Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, for his doctoral studies in entomology, with a minor in botany. It was in Ames that he met his future wife, Anita McBride. He received his PhD in 1975 and was offered a one-year position editing publications for the USDA Forest Service in Washington, DC.

In 1976, Terry and Anita were married in her hometown of Zearing, Iowa and moved to Alexandria, Louisiana, where Terry found a more permanent position with the Forest Service. After three years, Terry transferred to Albuquerque, where he and Anita enjoyed the cultural benefits of the Southwest, as well as not having to shovel snow in the wintertime.

Over a period of 30 years, Terry was asked to give a number of lectures on insects and diseases of the national forests. He enjoyed putting together slide shows for his audiences, whether they were technicians or more scholarly individuals, and was appreciated for that as well as his corny "buggy" jokes. Also, he became a featured speaker on the effects of fire on insects and diseases at the National Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.

In 2009, Terry had triple bypass surgery and decided to retire. After his recovery, he enjoyed playing golf with his friends from work, as well as traveling with Anita. A few highlights included visiting Santa Fe and Taos, taking the Trans-Canadian Railway in 2011, and a river cruise in France in 2014.

Terry is survived by his wife, Anita; his sister, Rogetta (Mary Ann) Rogers of Strongsville, Ohio; and his brother, Jerry and his wife, Alice of Dorset, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents; his aunt, Elsie Miazga; and his younger brother, Wayne. Terry's family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff of Volcano Cliff Beehive who took such good care of "Terr-Bear" during his final weeks.

Those who wish to make memorial contributions should contact KNME-TV or Animal Humane, New Mexico. Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later time. Contact French Funerals and Cremations for further information. Please visit our online guestbook for Terry at

www.FrenchFunerals.com.