ROGERS, Richard Niles

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 12/05/2011 Richard Niles Rogers, 88, died Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, at his home in Nutrioso. He was born Aug. 8, 1922, the son of Hyrum Floyd Rogers and Arizola Martha Sharp of Nutrioso. Richard had many fond memories of growing up in the Nutrioso area with his siblings, Isabel (deceased), Leo, Leonard, his twin, and his younger brothers Jim (deceased), Bob and Larry. He graduated from Round Valley High School and attended technical building school in Phoenix. He and Leonard proudly enlisted in the Navy during World War II, serving on disguised fuel tankers in the Pacific, supplying ships throughout the war zones. After his discharge he married Virginia Barrett Feb. 22, 1946, of Berkeley, Calif. after a courtship of over three years and over 500 letters to each other which they still treasure. He was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Berkeley before shipping out. Richard began his career as a builder in Nutrioso and managed to build four homes for his family over the years. He apprenticed as a jewelry repairman in Phoenix and had his own business in Phoenix before moving to Safford where he became a State Agricultural Inspector for 10 years. He then transferred back home to Round Valley where he worked for the Motor Vehicle Division at the Springerville Port of Entry until retiring to operate a full time jewelry business on Main Street in Springerville. Richard had many interests and served as Commander in the American Legion and was a VFW officer. He was honored as Rotarian of the Year and started the Nutrioso TV Association which gave Nutrioso residents their first TV stations over 40 years ago. Richard was an active member in the LDS church and served an 18 month mission in Mexico City with his wife, Virginia. They also served for 10 years as temple workers in Mesa. He enjoyed helping other people, hunting with his brothers, and witching water wells for people. He is survived and loved by his wife of over 65 years; his daughters: Peggy (Ramon) Porter, Marla Fuentes, and son Wm. R. “Buddy” (Frances) Rogers. They boast of 12 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers: Leo, Leonard, Bob and Larry Rogers. He will be greatly missed and remembered by his many friends and family. A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Burnham Mortuary, Eagar. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eagar Stake Center with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the funeral services at the Rogers Family Cemetery in Nutrioso. Leave an online condolence at www.burnhammortuary.com Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled arrangements.