Mrs. Rita Kay Rogers
Remember

Mrs. Rita Kay Rogers

  • September 6, 1935 - May 18, 2011
  • Spring Valley, California
Share This Obituary
Message from the Family

Thank you for your support and prayers during this difficult time. Please enhance this tribute to Rita by adding your memories and photos.

Send Flowers
flowers logo

Flowers are messengers of hope when it's needed most.


Memories & Candles

“Dear Rogers, This is belated but we share in your sorrow and loss of Rita. Apparently the Lord wanted her. I guess there is comfort in knowing she...Read More » ”
1 of 13 | Posted by: The Coltons, Molly, Ron, Meg & Chris - CA

“Dear Rogers Family, Thinking only of the good times and laughter shared with Rita and your family. Rita, Gary and boys you are in our thoughts...Read More » ”
2 of 13 | Posted by: The McShanes - Bella Vista, AR

“We were glad we got to meet Rita and Gary and visit at their home. Rita had a truly infectious smile and laugh. Our heart goes out to Gary and their...Read More » ”
3 of 13 | Posted by: PEARL & TIM DAWSON - KIMBOLTON, OH

“Rita's smile and warmth always brightened up family gatherings and parties at Kirk and Carol's house. She remembered everyone's names, even if she...Read More » ”
4 of 13 | Posted by: Laurie Roeder - San Diego, CA

“My deepest condolences to Gary and his family. I knew Rita as a girl. She was beautiful and funny. This old world was lucky to have her. ”
5 of 13 | Posted by: Martha Ward Hopkins - Omaha, NE

“Saying you are in or thoughts and in our minds is a given. YOU ARE TRULY IN OUR 5xgReHEARTS! ”
6 of 13 | Posted by: Maynard and Shirley O'Hara - AL

“It's a pleasure to read a well written Christian testimony within Rita's obituary. In Christ alone, John ”
7 of 13 | Posted by: J. Aldher - La Mesa, CA - None

“When I think of Aunt Rita, the words that come to my mind are "laughter, love and FUN." She was the best! ”
8 of 13 | Posted by: Cindy McPherson - Lincoln, NE

“I only had the opportunity meet this great lady once but have a very fond memory of the day Rick and I spent with Rita and Gary. She will be very...Read More » ”
9 of 13 | Posted by: Lou Brandon - Phoenix, AZ

“My favorite aunt and always like a Mom-sister to me. I will never forget our trips to the beach with the boys and the great time around the pool. ...Read More » ”
10 of 13 | Posted by: RICK ROGERS - FLAGSTAFF, AZ

“What an amazing woman!!! We will all miss Rita's energetic zest for life and always smiling face. I'm so glad she was part of my life. Gary and...Read More » ”
11 of 13 | Posted by: Mary Johnson - Murrieta, ca, CA

“So many fun memories from climbing the apple tree playing Tarzan, triple dating with me and Lee when Gary was away in the service, vacations at...Read More » ”
12 of 13 | Posted by: Von and Lee James - Palm Harbor, FL

“I was Rita's hairstylist for around 38 yrs. I can say she was one of my favorite clients, always happy, always enjoying life and always laughed at my...Read More » ”
13 of 13 | Posted by: Marie Nagle - Escondido, CA


  • Rita with Carol
  • Rita's birthday 1966
  • Hanging out at the Lake

View Life Images Slideshow →

Rita Kay Rogers was born in Spencer, Iowa on September 6, 1935 to Sylvester Kindlespire and Mildred Lawler Kindlespire. Rita attended the University of Iowa, and, on June 30, 1956, married her high school sweetheart, Gary Rogers, and celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2006.

She worked at Kjos Music Company for 23 years, retiring in 2000. Rita overcame her diagnosis of breast cancer in 2008, much to her doctors’ surprise. She was a loving wife, mom, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Rita had an energetic, fun-filled personality and an infectious smile that endeared her to family and friends alike.

She passed into glory at noon on May 18, 2011 surrounded by her family who sang hymns, prayed for her, read passages from the Bible and told her how much she was loved. The sun was shining into her room after a morning rain. Although we miss her greatly, we rejoice that she is now with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, dancing with her mom and dad in heaven.

Rita is survived by her husband Gary, three sons Kyle, Kirk, and Kelly, six grandchildren, and numerous relatives and friends.

Gifts in her memory may be sent to the YMCA at 8881 Dallas Street, La Mesa, CA 91942, eastcounty.ymca.org/ or to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Fund, info@sdkomen.org, 858-573-2760.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 21:25