Virginia O. Rogers

Virginia Rose Rogers, age 93 of Pueblo, Colorado passed away Thursday, November 12, 2015. The former Virginia Rose Oertel was born January 3, 1922 in Laona, Wisconsin to the late Paul M. Oertel and Ella Gorke Oertel. After graduating from high school in Shawano, Wisconsin, she worked as a dental assistant. Virginia met the love of her life, Jim Rogers, at a dance at the Rustic Resort on Pine Lake in Wisconsin. Jim and Virginia were married on January 2, 1942. They were married for 66 years until Jim passed in 2008. Virginia is survived by daughter Sherry Ditman (Bill), granddaughters Matisha Shelman (Kent), and Jamie Main (John Willmann); great-grandsons Marcel and Austin Shelman; and great-great granddaughter Lyla Pryor. Virginia's sister, Florence Eberhardt, also survives, along with many loving nieces and nephews. Virginia was a superb vocalist. She starred in many operettas in her youth. Virginia continued to share her beautiful voice by singing in the Methodist Church choir for many years, often providing solos in the community. She played the piano, was a fine organist, and directed the church choir for 25 years. Virginia was a member of the Order of Eastern Star where she held several offices including Organist, and Worthy Matron. She also served as Grand Adah for the state of Wisconsin. Virginia served with the Girl Scouts of America. She was loved by all who knew her. She loved to travel and enjoy the outdoors with camping and cabins. She had a wonderful garden. In 1982, Jim and Virginia moved to Colorado to be closer to family. Virginia was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her final years were spent at Brookdale El Camino Assisted Living. She played the organ for the residents every Tuesday and Saturday. She represented Brookdale in the Colorado Silver Queen Pageant, playing her organ as her talent. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church of Pueblo. Inurnment in Marion, Wisconsin. The family would like to thank Brookdale for the loving home they provided for many years, and to her very special caregivers. Thank you to Sangre De Christo Hospice. Virginia will be loved and missed by all who knew her. Online condolences, www.imperialfunerals.com.