Geneva Rogers

Geneva Rogers, 96, formerly of Elkhart, Indiana passed peacefully in North Carolina where she resided for the past seventeen years. She was born March 23, 1928, in Mishawaka, Indiana to Merrill Whitfield and Dorothy (Stutzman) Whitfield. She is survived by daughters, Judy Cooke (Mark) of Elkhart and Stephanie Rogers (Jeremy) of North Carolina; stepson Gene Rogers (Deb) of Elkhart; grandchildren Jeff Cooke, Sharrla Rogers, Jamie Beem, Chad Rogers, and Asha Edmondson; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband Vincent in 2000, and stepson Monte Rogers in 2019.

Geneva graduated from Elkhart High School in the class of 1946, where she twirled baton in the marching band. She worked at CTS for 37 years before retiring. Family trips were an important part of life, she especially enjoyed visiting national parks and taking cruises. In retirement, she volunteered with the Literacy Council teaching many adults to read. Before leaving Elkhart, she worked the early morning shift at Little Cherubs Preschool at First Congregational United Church of Christ. At age 78 she moved to North Carolina for the warmer climate and to be closer to her youngest grandchild.

As a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, she was a member of the Esther Circle. For many years she volunteered alongside Rev. Fenstermacher as a reading tutor in Elkhart’s elementary schools. Geneva and Vince were known as “mom and dad” to many kids that were friends of their own kids. Their home was a gathering place and safe haven for many teenagers. Today, one of them said, “She was always so welcoming, interested in us kids, and caring. I can hear her laughing at the stupid things we did, and yet always still caring for us as individuals!” That is precisely how she would want to be remembered.

She will be interned with her husband Vince in the Chapel of Peace Mausoleum at Rice Cemetery. The family will have a private memorial on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Chapel of Peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Park Foundation www.nationalparks.org

Arrangements are by Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, Indiana 46514. Online condolences for Geneva may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com