Susan Rogers

Susan Rogers, 81, passed away on June 19, 2024 in Carmel, IN after a prolonged illness under the care of Paradigm Hospice. Preceding her in death were her parents, George E. Rogers and Mary E. (Burton) Rogers, and her brother, Kim Alan Rogers, of Marion. On August 14, 1942 Susan was born in Lima, OH. After WWII her family settled in Marion, IN. She graduated from Marion High School in 1960. At Indiana University – Bloomington she earned a B.A. with double majors in German and performance music. She was active in Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She graduated from I.U. School of Medicine – Indianapolis in 1969 as one of only two females. She was an Internist that continued post graduate residency in pathology at University of Pennsylvania's Temple Hospital. She was a board-certified clinical and surgical pathologist. She was a pathology professor at the University of Pittsburgh from 1970-1979. While there she led a research team credited with finding the underlying cause of stomach ulcers which became the basis for treatment.

To be near family, Dr. Rogers returned to Marion in 1979. Her expertise was utilized at Marion General Hospitals in the lab and as a surgical pathologist. As Director of the lab she coordinated programs for infectious diseases, the blood bank,and state-of-the-art breast cancer detection. She worked with surgeons in the operating room evaluating margins for multi-categories of soft tissue tumors. She served as Medical Chief of Staff from 2000-2001. In the 1980's she was inducted into the International Academy of Cytology by the University of Chicago, became a Fellow in the College of American Pathologists, and was elected to the New York Academy of Science. She participated in clinics at Sloan Kettering cancer center in New York City.

Susan was a patron of the arts. She and her husband hosted in their home many charity events. She loved music. Being shy, she performed solitary at home. She had a powerful alto voice and played the piano. But she considered herself a brass musician playing the trumpet, trombone, and flugelhorn.

As a proponent of daily mental and physical exercise, Susan enjoyed many hobbies. She loved word games, scrabble, and large complex puzzles. She was a skilled operator of miniature power tools. Inspired by charter sailing in the Caribbean, she built many sailing ship replicas crafting each piece (wood, brass, canvas) by hand. She rode her beloved British red titanium tricycle two miles to work taking it up the elevator to park outside her MGH office door. Under the tutelage of Janet Snyder she routinely worked out at the YMCA. For many years she practiced karate achieving her black belt.

Susan was passionate about dogs and cats. Through the years she nurtured at least twenty (many strays) and rehabilitated injuries. Her favorite cat, "Mousie," learned complete three-legged mobility after a coyote attack. Her favored dogs were Corgis and Great Danes.

Anonymously Susan was generous. She often spoke of "planting seeds" for future generations. She financially supported local causes and students disrupted in their education. Compassionate, she was an early advocate of hospice and pain management.

Gethsemane Episcopal was her church home. She assisted with mass and with building rejuvenations. As an active member, she shared a deep fellowship. In mid-life she became an Old Testament scholar and learned Hebrew for translation. Her significant theological library was donated to the Indiana Wesleyan University's new school of ministry. With the support of The Rev. James Warnock, she wrote treatises for Episcopalian regional and national conferences.

Susan married C. Rodney Ashley, a designer and horticulturist, on November 3, 1979. The "scientist" and the "artist" relished 27 years of stimulating companionship including overland RV excursions and NYC opera jaunts. She lived her life with rigorous discipline and genuine purpose.

Susan is survived by her sister-in-law, Glenda R. (Kim) Rogers, Marion, IN, her aunt, Beulah M. Robb, Marion, IN and niece, nephew and cousin Claire R. Wiegel (Brian) Indianapolis, IN, George R. Rogers, Arlington, VA, and Lynn Wiesman (Andrew) Greenwood, IN.

After brain research at the Biggs Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, a funeral mass will be held at Gethsemane Episcopal Church, 111 East 9th Street, with The Rev. Mindy Hancock presiding. Visitation will be held at the church on June 29, 2024 and begins at 9:30 am with services at 10am. Burial will follow in the church courtyard garden. Owen-Weilert-Duncan Funeral Home, Marion Chapel, 2722 South Washington Street, Marion was entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Community Foundation Humane Society Fund with tribute to Dr. Susan Rogers-Ashley, 505 West Third Street, Marion, Indiana 46952 or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.owenweilertduncan.com.