Virginia Rogers' Obituary
Virginia Evelina Rogers, daughter of Oscar and Lola Boulware Cox, was born August 14, 1926, in Rolla, Missouri. She departed this life Monday, February 13, 2006, in St. John’s Hospital, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of seventy-nine years, five months, and twenty-nine days. On September 1, 1943, she was united in marriage to O. B. Jack Rogers, and to this union two daughters and one son were born. Her parents preceded her in death. Virginia is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, Jack, of the home; a son, Jim Rogers, and his wife, Carmen, of Lebanon, Missouri; two daughters, Jackie Rogers, formerly of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Jeannette Rogers, of Vonore, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Jenissa Lynch, and Mary Ann Rogers, both of Springfield, Missouri, Amanda Elgin, of Rolla, Missouri, and Robert Elgin, of Vonore, Tennessee; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. She was raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where she graduated from high school and attended Southwest Business College. While going to college and working at Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis, she met Jack at the D & W Snack Shop and they were soon married September 1, 1943. Throughout their married life, Virginia was always there to support Jack in whatever endeavor he was involved and honored their marriage commitment before God to love, honor, and obey each other. They moved to Oklahoma for several years while Jack was with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and worked along side him to support the family by rebuilding wrecked cars. They later owned and operated Motel 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma. She had business skills that allowed her to work at various jobs and was always very supportive of her family. They then moved to Fairfield, Illinois where they operated the Uptown Motel and built a new restaurant for a few years before making their home in St. James, Missouri. It was there that Virginia and Jack lovingly raised their family while Jack was Superintendent of the Veterans Soldier’s Home and Virginia worked as a social worker. During these years, Jack also served as the Mayor of St. James and as the State Commander of the American Legion, while Virginia was his “social director” and attentive first lady. Virginia volunteered with meals on wheels, helped many in the community, and was very compassionate to those in need. The family also owned the Manor Inn and Crystal Room Restaurant in Rolla for a few years where Virginia managed the restaurant and books. They next moved to New Mexico to build and manage the Road Runner Cafe, but missed the family and returned to Missouri to make their home in Lebanon in 1983, where their son, Jim, and family lived and daughters and families were a short distance away. They opened Mr. Jack’s Restaurant in Lebanon and after retiring in the late 1980’s, they managed the Bennett Spring Dining Lodge for their son, Jim. Virginia also worked in the park store for years to help her son. They retired again to develop a blueberry farm on their country property outside of Lebanon for a number of years, which was opened to the public. Virginia had made her profession of faith in Christ and was baptized at the age of 12 and her favorite song was “When the Saints Go Marching In” and she loved old time Southern Gospel music. She was a member of South Five Church of Christ in Lebanon. She possessed a gentle and compassionate heart and always unselfishly placed others needs first. Her tenderness and contagious smile made her a favorite among her family and friends. She was the State of Missouri American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Sergeant of Arms in the 1960’s, and was instrumental in starting the American Legion Post and Ladies Auxiliary at the Veteran’s Home in St. James, MO. She belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star and the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary of Post # 4107. In her spare time she enjoyed doing cross stitch needlework, puzzles and word games, watching her favorite television program, Everybody Loves Raymond, and feeding her passion for John Wayne by viewing his movies as often as possible. She also loved traveling, babies and children, and watching the birds and squirrels, especially the bluebirds in her flower garden. Her family was very dear to her and she deeply loved and enjoyed her children and grandchildren. Virginia was always a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and was a kind and caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments on earth and cherish the wonderful memories she created for her family and friends. We are overjoyed that her life now is with God through Jesus Christ in heaven and look forward to seeing her again and spending eternity with her in heaven. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 16, 2006, in the Holman-Howe Chapel. Burial will be in the Lebanon Cemetery. American Legion Auxiliary Services will be at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, in the funeral home, with visitation to follow until 8:30 p.m. Services are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri.
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