Joyce Rodgers Obituary
Joyce J. Rodgers, 89, of Topeka, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Joyce was born on December 1, 1936, in Topeka, Kansas, to Merle George and Helen Dema (Lewis) Bradley. She spent her early years in the Oakland neighborhood before her family moved to a farm near Meriden, where she grew up and graduated from Meriden High School in 1954.
On July 26, 1956, Joyce married Charles O. Rodgers, Jr., in Peoria, Illinois. As an Air Force wife for 26 years, Joyce built a loving home for her family wherever life took them before returning to the Topeka area following Charles’s retirement. Charles preceded her in death on August 16, 2005. Joyce was also preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Helen Bradley, and her siblings, Beverly Neiberger and Richard Bradley.
Above all else, Joyce was a devoted mother and a cherished grandmother, lovingly known as “Nanny.” Her greatest joy was her family, and she will be remembered for the unconditional love, guidance, and steady presence she gave to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Pam Mears (Mike) of Topeka, Mike Rodgers (Sherry) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Rhonda Hughes (David) of Scranton; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, KS 66608
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