Aletharae (Rae) Thomas Rogers entered the world, March 24, 1929, impatient for the Doctor to arrive.  Her independence was evident from the git-go!

She left this world January 10th at St. Lukes Care Center that had been her home for over 5 years. This family will be forever grateful for the care, nurturing and love the staff blessed her with...they truly became her second family.

She married the love of her life, her Pee Wee Rogers, after only 4 months of dating. That union spanned 69 years until Pee Wee's passing in 2016.

She graduated, Valedictorian, from Garfield-Webb High School in Webb, but continued her education  later to pursue her Masters at BV and U of I. In the early 70's, she was the first non-clergy member of the NW Iowa Clergy Consultation Services. She was a Social Worker for the Iowa Department of Human Services from 1972 to 1984, then a Parent Educator for NWIMHC from 1984 to 1990 and was a co-founder of Clay County Citizens Awareness Council, a member of the Child Abuse Staffing Team,  as well participating in the establishment of NW Iowa Planned Parenthood.  She was an active member of the Webb UMC, teaching Sunday and Bible School for years and a 50 year member of Federated Club. Dear to her heart was volunteering for Hospice since 1992 until she was unable to.

Starting as a small town, farm girl, she built a full and productive life, based on her NW Iowa upbringing and values. Being smart and intellectually curious was part of her core, as well as thoughtfulness, a passion for children/families and wanting to help others.  The friends she made and the colleagues she encountered over the years in her profession, have always been near and dear to her heart.

She was strong willed, opinionated and a bit bossy, as her children will attest to! She was also reflective, as evidenced by her rather prolific writings. She multi-tasked, raising 5 children, working at the grocery store she and Pee Wee owned in Webb, driving to college classes and was ambitious in attaining her MSW degree. Tapped to be a leader as a regional manager in her field, she then returned to direct care of families as a Parent Educator. She enjoyed Happy Hour, whether with her Webb, Spencer or Florida friends, where many laughs ensued.  She gave herself symbolically in the quilts she lovingly created for her family, including great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by hubby Pee Wee, daughter Vickie, son-in-law Ron Sanculi, granddaughter Melissa Webster, great grandson Ronnie Sanculi Guerra, sister, Velma Struve and brother, Jack Thomas.

She's survived by her sons, John Rogers (Jane Corboy) of Mosier, Oregon, Lee Rogers (Trang Pham) of Lewisville, TX, Rae Lynn Sanculi of Ruthven and foster son Terry Webster (Glenda) of Spencer, 10 grandchildren and 23 great children, all who adored her and many nieces and nephews.