Betty Jean Rodgers (Harris) Nickle |
| Posted 2009-07-13 by Sharla |
| Betty Jean Harris Rodgers Nickle. Born March 17, 1928 in San Francisco, California to Paul and Florence Harris. Passed to be with her savior on March 14, 2009 @ 6:17 pm. Slipping away quietly while her girls were distracted with matters of getting her in a more comfortable position. Mama had her girls in mind knowing it would help if she left quickly, so the celebration of her life could begin. She was gently and tenderly cared for during her last hours by Hospice of the Valley at Baptist Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Survived by 4 children and her brother – Paul Ridgeway Harris of Chandler, Arizona. Proceeded in death by her father, mother, and her brother-Eugene Harris of Las Vegas, Nevada. Also, her husband and father of her children Arthur Dewey Rodgers and her second husband Lawrence Coleman Nickle. I will share this story quickly before I proceed with Mama's story: On Wednesday of this past week, Mama needed a bath. Nurse Marion asked if I would like to help so I gladly jumped at the chance. After gloving up – the bath began just to comfort Mama. I bent down and whispered, "It's OK baby." Mama rolled her head and opened her eyes wide and clearly said, "You never have called me Betty", and it was said with stern correction in her voice – if you know what I mean. I looked at Marion the nurse and began my defense. With a gentle begging voice I said: "Mama, I called you baby." She settled back down to the business at hand dealing with the pain gracefully when we had to move her. Nurse Marion leaned over and whispered in my defense – "Your daughter called you baby." Mama peeked out with her blue eyes and did her little laugh – "HaHaHa! So I knew my moment of being in trouble had past. After her bath I kissed her and said rest now Mama and again I heard – HaHaHa! So while I continue this eulogy I will use Mama while chatting with you referencing Mother. Mama is survived by her children – important note: remember the "birth order" – you will know why later. Paul Emo Rodgers and wife Cathy of Phoenix, Arizona Syble Jean Rodgers Ramirez and husband Tony of Laveen, Arizona Carol Willien Rodgers Borden and Troy of McKinney, Texas Anita Rodgers Horton and husband Gary of Laveen, Arizona Mama had six grandchildren – birth order: Tammy, Little Tony, Jennifer Marie, Timothy, Michael and Paul Aaron. Paul Aaron is serving our country and is unable to be here today. Tammy is home taking care of the children and welcoming our newest grandchild into the family Keanna. Mama has been blessed with time spent with 18 great grandchildren. Mama has lovingly worn many names: Betty, BJ, Betty Boop, Mother, Mama, Mom, Grandma, Grammy Nickle, and Grammy Pickles. Toby and Peggy Sue (4 legged grandchildren) responded to "Let's go see Naners." The barks began as Bear joined the crew and the tails wagged till they got through the door and saw Naners with the endless stash of milky bones. And last let me mention her long time buddy, "Bandit." Bandit and Mama were partners always looking forward to the next trip to Texas. Mama was blessed with lifelong friends that got to spend time with her during her last few days. Joy and Dawn – thank you for being there for Mama for over sixty years. Your support was evident in her love for you. JoJo and Betty, Mama loved you both and she always spoke lovingly about you. Our Mama was a hard worker and she expected no less from each of us. A job worth doing is worth doing right the 1st time. Our Mama drug herself home through the door after working hours on the hard floor of a busy restaurant. As she readied herself to relax she would place her tip apron on the bed and dump all the change. Mama delighted in the squeals coming from the busy bed as each of us got our change to count and put in an envelope. Yes "birth order" again. Paul = Quarters, Syble = Dimes, Carol = Nickles and last but not least Anita got the pennies. Mama had her own way of teaching us to count. OK, now our Mama had a special nickname for each of us: Tinker known today as "Bubba." Tinker tinkered with tinker toys for hours. Sissy was "Big Sister" lovingly known as "Sister" today. Carrie after hearing her endlessly saying "carry me Mama. Mama would give up and carry me. I am told I am "high maintenance" and always want to be the center of attention. Skeeter because this little one would run around outside crying "skeeter get me, skeeter get me" and it stuck. So did you get the birth order on this one? On May 31, 1995 Mom wrote this in a letter Anita found Sunday. Have a good life. Remember life is short so live it to the fullest. So Mama is talking to us all here today. Mama had difficult times and her life was not always easy. She loved her sister-in-law's because they were always supportive and encouraging like sisters. Aunt Syble (who has already passed) and Aunt Myde and Aunt Margie – Mama loved you and appreciated all your help through the years. And the four of us, love and thank you for loving our Mom. Well, Mama knew I could chat with you for hours, but I will stop shortly and let others share stories of Mama with you. Please feel free to take your turn sharing. We want to hear your story. Mama never met a stranger as you can see today. Family & friends are here celebrating her 1st Birthday in "Heaven." "Happy Birthday, Mama!" Just one more thing: Bubba, Sister, Anita – thank you for taking on my share of Mama's care for the last few years. I knew Anita carried a heavy load with Mama's daily care and Sister with her nighttime care. Bubba, you were always on call. That was asking a lot from each of you. And to Tony and Gary – you will always be in a special place in my heart. Because when the times got really tough Tony you willingly picked Mama up and Gary you toted her around so she never missed an appointment when Anita couldn't be there. Each of you made me a part of each and every journey. Distance means nothing when "Your Family." And to Cathy – thanks for taking care of Bubba. Here's the secret, "That is a full-time job." I love you all and thank you for letting me tell Mama's story my way for each of you. Nickle, Betty Jean Harris Rodgers Our Beloved Mother and friend of Leaven, Arizona passed away March 14, 2009. She quietly left this life under the tender care of Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix Baptist Hospital. Born March 17, 1928 in San Francisco, California to Paul and Florence Harris. Four children survive her, Paul Rodgers and wife Cathy of Phoenix, Arizona Syble Ramirez and husband Tony of Leaven, Arizona Carol Borden and husband Troy of McKinney, Texas Anita Rodgers Horton and husband Gary of Leaven, Arizona 6 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren She leaves behind one brother Paul Harris of Chandler, Arizona and many nieces and nephews, "Bandit" her beloved "little" friend who spent endless hours by her side and "Toby", "Peggy Sue", and "Bear" that came to see her everyday. She loved these Little four legged ones. They will miss the endless "milky bones". Infant son, her mother, father, a brother and husband precede her in death. Betty was loved and never to be forgotten by all of the many hearts and lives that she touched. Betty's 2 lifelong friends, Joy and Dawn, of 60 years survive her. In lieu of flowers send donation to Hospice of the Valley. A Visitation will be held on Thursday March 19, 2009 10:00 AM and Funeral Service at 11:00 AM both to be held at Greenwood Memory Lawn Chapel 719 N. 27th Ave. in Phoenix. Obit: Dignity Memorial See Also: Find A Grave |
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