Betty K. Rogge

In Loving Memory of Betty Katherine Rogge

Betty Katherine Rogge, 79, of Blairsville, Indiana, passed away on September 10, 2025, at 6:28 a.m. while on vacation in Panama City, Florida-beginning what we are sure is her eternal vacation, complete with sunshine, sand, and a bingo dauber in hand.

Betty was one of a kind. She grew up running the West Side of Evansville, IN and spent her childhood at St. Boniface Catholic School. She had a radiant spirit that matched her love for all things glitter, butterflies, and especially the bingo. If there was a game being played, you could bet she was there- ready to win and sass anyone who tried to call "bingo" before her.

For many years, she worked at Hudson Valley Tree Factory, but her biggest legacy came from the countless children she babysat for-over 90 kids came through her house, and she lovingly cared for and loved on them all through the years. Every one of them carried a piece of her heart, and she became a guiding light to an entire generation.

If you knew Betty, you knew someone who gave without hesitation-whether it was a hot meal, a listening ear, or simply her time. She was the first to show up and the last to leave when someone needed her. She also had a deep love and respect for veterans, always showing her gratitude for their service in any way she could. Resilient to her very last breath, Betty fought bravely through life's battles and taught us all what strength looks like.

She had quick wit, a generous spirit, and a way about her that could light up even the darkest days. Though her family and friends will miss her dearly, they take comfort knowing she is now forever free, joyful, and watching over them with that same humor and love.

She is reunited in Heaven with her parents; her in-laws; her twin brothers, Michael and Billy Lamey; her half-brothers, Ronald and Robert Smith; her sister and best friend, Linda Marx, and brother-in-law, Steven Marx; several of her husband's family members she dearly loved; and a precious child she birthed but never got to hold. We're pretty sure she's already settled in, shining with all her sparkle, laughing with loved ones, and finding the best bingo hall Heaven has to offer.

Those left behind to carry on her memory are many, starting with the love of her life of 62 years, her husband, Roger William Rogge Sr. When Roger was in the Navy, he would hitchhike home from Florida every weekend just to be with her, and he returned to Florida one last time to say goodbye. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and devotion.

Her children-Bridget and Brad Hobbs, Roger Jr. and Sherry Rogge, and her daughter/bingo buddy Angela and Marcus Fore-will forever remember her guidance and care. Her grandchildren, Kelsey and Branden Priest, Bayleigh Fore, Peyton and Zachary Mason, and her bonus granddaughter Taylor Wilkerson, were all the joys of her life. She was also blessed with one great-granddaughter, her namesake, Ellyana Katherine Priest, who will carry her spirit forward.

Betty also leaves behind her sister, Bernitta Smith; sisters-in-laws Donna Lamey and Barbara Rogge; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. To know Betty was to be loved by her-she had a way of making everyone feel like family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Pay It Forward Local (1109 S Green River Rd, Suite 2, Evansville, IN 47715) on October 12, 2025, from 2:00-6:00 p.m., with words and prayer by Reverend Nixon at 4:00 p.m.-fittingly it's at a place she laughed, cheered, and made many friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Posey County Council of Aging, where Betty formed cherished friendships with her drivers Tom and Jenny and shared countless stories while they took her to her weekly dialysis appointments.

Betty's legacy is one of feistiness, selflessness, laughter, faith, and unconditional love. She will be missed beyond measure-but we know she's already up in Heaven, daubing numbers, hugging her loved ones, and saving us all a seat at her lucky table.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7

And if you listen closely, you just might hear her saying:

"Don't cry too long-I've got bingo to play!"