Leona Josephine (Koerperich) Rogers, age 89, passed away on February 16 at Meadowlark Hills Bramlage House.
She was born in Hays, Kansas in 1934 to Bernard and Helen (Jaster) Koerperich, the second of 8 children. She was raised on a farm outside of Selden, Kansas, and attended Selden schools, graduating from Selden High School as Valedictorian of her class.
Leona met the love of her life, Gerald, at a local dance, and they were married on September 30, 1952. Their marriage was blessed with five children: Sherry Watts of Manhattan, KS (Harry), Geralyn Parker, Goodland, KS (Lauren), Joe Rogers, Davison, MI (Stephanie), Scott Rogers, Larned, KS (Julie) and Tami Carlgren, Newton, KS (Randy).Leona’s favorite role was being Grandma to her 12 grandchildren, Tony Parker (Amy), Fr. Nick Parker, Jillian Korte (Drew), Stuart Watts (Sam), Diana Watts, Conrad Rogers (Michelle), Jennifer Rogers, Hunter Rogers (Shazia), Melanie Morrison (Camerron), Meredith Peterson (Johnathan), Joshua Carlgren (Kenzie), and Hannah Scheetz (Mason). She loved shopping for presents for them, cooking their favorite foods, and simply spending time together. She was delighted when they blessed her with nine great-grandchildren, and more on the way.
Leona was a very smart woman and took great pride in the work she did outside the home, particularly working at Koerperich Bookbinders in Selden and as the Shipping Supervisor for over 20 years at Scott Specialties in Belleville, KS.
Leona was a faithful member of the Catholic Church. She began playing the organ for services as a teenager and held many roles in the church throughout her life. She was an active and devoted member of the Legion of Mary and led the rosary at a local retirement community. Leona served as a Hospice Volunteer for a number of years, always sharing her faith and caring for others. This was an example and blessing she passed on to her family.
Leona will always be remembered for her incredible baking and cooking skills and unfailing devotion to her family and her faith. We could not have asked for a better mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, and her memory will live on in all the hearts of those who loved her.
Leona was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years (Gerald), her parents (Bernard and Helen), and her brother, Richard. She is survived by her six siblings, 5 children and spouses, 12 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, KS. Funeral Mass is at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Selden, KS with interment at the Selden Cemetery.