July 29, 1935-July 30, 2024
Marjorie L. Rogers was born on July 29, 1935, in Billings, Montana. She passed away on July 30, 2024, in St. George, Utah.
Margie grew up with her mother Valore and sister Lorna. When her mother married George Wilcox, she gained a new family, which included brothers Larry and Barry. They made their home in Three Forks, Montana.
Margie married our father, Jim, on May 27, 1966. She was a mother of two and became a mom to seven by the age of 32. Imagine cooking dinner for nine every day.
Our parents ran a strict household and taught us to be obedient and independent at the same time. Mom and Dad kept us busy with church, camping and road trips to our favorite swimming holes. We learned many songs along the way and enjoyed Mom’s beautiful singing voice. Mom was a self-taught piano player, and her passion was learning how to play the organ. How fun it was to wake up on Easter morning and to hear mom singing “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” while playing her organ.
As we grew older and all of us were in school full time, Mom went to work. Her favorite job was working in a fabric store. She honed her sewing skills, and the girls had the prettiest dresses and other fashions. A new dress for every holiday and tulip skirts and peasant blouses for school were sewn by her.
The move to Colstrip in the ’70s brought more changes to her life. Mom and Dad were very involved in the community, they saw the need to save the old school across from their home and were instrumental in getting the renovations started on the Schoolhouse History and Art Center. Margie studied journalism and became a writer for the local newspaper. She was involved in The Coal and Cattle Country Players acting in many of their productions. Margie dressed up on holidays as a bunny, pumpkin, clown and Mrs. Claus, to hand out goodies to the local kids. Mom also said that no town should be without a cemetery, so she set about to make that happen.
In retirement, Mom learned the love of traveling the world and would often find herself on a plane, a train, a cruise ship or sleeping in a tent in Africa. Her story of the pickpocket in London is legendary We often traveled as a family and enjoyed the flavors of Mexico and the beaches of the Caribbean. Being on the ocean was a great way to gather the family and while most of us were on adventures, Mom chose to stay onboard and visit with fellow passengers.
Mom and Dad moved to St. George, Utah, in 2008. Margie was shy but that didn’t stop her from heading to the gym to work out each morning bright and early. She soon became the social director of the “Liars Corner” at the Sun River rec center. She planned breakfast outings for the crew and made sure birthdays were celebrated every month. Margie volunteered at Intermountain Health surgery department and at the cancer center with her friend Martha.
Margie moved to the Retreat at Sunbrook in 2021. She loved her new home and made dear friends with the staff and her housemates. Mom’s favorite activity was participating in arts and crafts. Her hobbies were diamond art, drawing and coloring. She shared her creations with many friends and family. She never missed sending a card for each grandchild’s birthday.
No formal service will be held for Margie Rogers. She desires to rest at peace forever with her husband James E. under the shade trees and viewing the mountains at Sunset Hills in Bozeman, Montana. Donations can be made to the Salvation Army. If you wish to memorialize Mom, please do so by offering a warm smile, a gentle hug and a simple conversation to all.
Mom, we are forever grateful that you taught us to carry a bit of spice through life. So long Mom — you are so loved and deeply missed.
Mom is survived by her seven children: son Jim and Donaleen in Colstrip/Forsyth, Montana; daughters Roxanne and Bob Peterson in Whitefish, Montana; Cyndie Mulcahy, Suzanne and Jim Stilwell in Butte, Montana; Juli and Gale Palmer in Billings, Montana/Mesquite Nevada; Lori and Al Olsen in Winnett, Montana; Lilli and Bob Wolfe in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania; brother Larry and Linda Wilcox in Three Forks, Montana; sister Lorna Parker in Great Falls, Montana; best friend Doug Nishimoto in St. George, Utah; and three generations of grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to click here to share tributes online. Arrangements and memorial tree planting by Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah, 435-986-9100.