Dorothy Louise Rogers, 93, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2017, at the Holton Community Hospital, Holton, Kansas. Dorothy was born March 13, 1924, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of John Roy Williams and Margaret (Musgrove) Williams. She is descended from Probate Judge Elijah Musgrove, an early Jackson County settler. Dorothy and her parents and brother, Jay Roy, lived in various places such as Chicago and St. Louis during the Depression but her family returned to the Holton community in the early 1930’s. While living at her grandparents’ farm in the Maple Grove community, she and her brother rode a horse to Maple Grove country school. She graduated from Holton High School in 1942. In May 2017 Dorothy would have celebrated her 75th high school reunion!

In 1943, Dorothy joined the war effort by working for North American Aircraft manufacturing in Kansas City, Missouri initially counting nuts and bolts, but eventually inspecting nuts and bolts on airplanes. She subsequently enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1944, completing basic training at Camp LaJuene, North Carolina. She served in Washington DC during World War II, working in the Quarter Master’s office. Dorothy was very proud to have been selected to march with her platoon in the funeral procession of President Franklin Roosevelt in 1945. She continued to serve the military as a US Marine Women’s Reservist. She was honorably discharged in 1946. In 2016 Dorothy was delighted when given a custom quilt by the Quilts of Valor organization honoring her for her military service.

Dorothy married Joseph S. Rogers June 19, 1947, in Holton Kansas. They lived all of their married life in the Holton Community. He preceded her in death on April 20, 2008.

Dorothy was a homemaker who worked alongside Joe on the family farm and dairy for over 50 years. Dorothy was dedicated to serving her community through involvement in church, 4-H, and service organizations. She began playing piano at the First Christian Church, where she was baptized, in 1935. She continued to be a member of the First Christian Church until her death, over time serving as an organist/pianist, choir director, Sunday School teacher, and Elder. She began playing the organ at the church in 1957 and continued for nearly 50 years. Dorothy delighted in being an accompanist for the rising stars in the 4-H talent shows and played for numerous weddings and funerals in the community. Dorothy was a charter member of the Christian Women’s Fellowship and Young Matrons, and served in many leadership roles. She was a lifetime member of the Jackson County Historical Society and Women in Military Service. She was a past member of Qui Vive, the neighborhood Home Demonstration Unit, and Violet Club. She wrote the Violet Club news for the Holton Recorder for many years. In 2016 Dorothy and Joe were inducted into the Holton/Jackson County Hall of Fame, honored for their service to the community.

Dorothy was preceded in death by Joe, her parents, and her brother Jay Roy Williams, who passed away July 4, 1947. She is survived by her 5 children, Jay Rogers, Jean Goodwin, Joyce (Carl) Wheeler, Jeff (Marie) Rogers and Jackie (Bob) Sommers; 5 grandchildren, Chris (Joanie) Wheeler, Lindsey Wheeler, Jeff (Dana) Wheeler, Maris Rogers and Grant Rogers; and 4 great grandchildren, Ryan Wheeler, Matthew Wheeler, Benjamin Wheeler and Owen Wheeler.

Services will be held10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at the First Christian Church in Holton. The family will greet friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions can be made to Holton Community Hospital and sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, Kansas 66436. Private family inurnment will be at a later date. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.