ROGERS, Thelma Bell

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ March 24, 2008 Thelma Bell Rogers, 76, died peacefully in Gilbert March 5, 2008, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Rogers leave two sons, Lee A. Joyner and Daniel K. Lund, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Thelma was born to William Jasper and Harriet M. Miller in Santa Rita, N.M., May 6, 1931. She moved to Arizona in 1945 where she spent her life raising her family and enjoying a 23-year career with the U.S. Parks and Forest Service. She retired in 1993 with her husband Lovel L. Rogers who preceded her in death in 1999 after 22 years of marriage. In addition to her children, Thelma is survived by her husband Lovel's children from his first marriage, Tenoha, Shirlie, Ginger, Fara, Dennis and Albert and more than 70 children and grandchildren. She also leaves daughters-in-law Dorothy, Rose, Roberta and Lisa who were like daughters to her. Thelma was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend who never met a stranger. She devoted her entire life to her family and opened her heart and her home to anyone in need. She touched many with her love and compassion and will be remembered and missed by all. Contributions may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10001 or online at www.alzfdn.org.