Mary Elizabeth Rogers (Beth), 64, of Hazen, passed away in her home on September 19, 2017 surrounded by her family. Beth, lovingly known by many, especially her grandchildren, as Bea, fought a brave and courageous battle with glioblastoma, stage IV brain cancer before, finally going to her eternal home.
Beth was born on August 29, 1953 to Al and Mary Moss of Stuttgart AR. She grew up in Stuttgart and graduated from Stuttgart High School in 1971. She attended college at Arkansas State University earning a degree in Radio/TV Journalism. It was at ASU that she met her husband of 42 years, Bobby Rogers. She also went on to earn a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Masters in Library Science from the University of Central Arkansas.
Beth made her home in Hazen, AR where she taught school for 28 years. She loved being the elementary school librarian and had a special love of books especially childrens’ books. Beth was also the County Librarian for 4 years and served on the Prairie County Library Board for 16 years. She was charter member Town and Country Civic Club and also a faithful member of the Etta Doss Circle.
Beth loved reading, knitting, traveling, cooking (even cleaning), and could bake the best Lemon Meringue Pie in Prairie County. Beth loved Bill Clinton and any excuse to organize; she even put her spices in ABC order. She also loved music, especially George Strait, Bruno Mars, and The Beatles. Her biggest love of all though was her family, especially her children and grandchildren.
Beth was preceded in death by her parents; Al and Mary Moss.
She is survived by her husband Bobby, son Andy (Hollie) Rogers of Rogers, AR, daughter Amanda (Michael) Keith of Little Rock, AR, five grand children, Reese, Sydney, and Alex Rogers, Caroline and Collin Keith and another grandson due in October, her brother Bill (Julie) Moss of Newport, nephew Beau (Sarah) Moss of Newport, and niece Jenny (Eric) Brungart of Dallas, TX, and her two faithful friends who never left her side, Vicki Skarda and Monica Lisko.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 21 at Westbrook Funeral Home from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, September 22 at 10 a.m. at Hazen First United Methodist Church with Rev. Deanna McCormack, Rev. Glenn Harris, and Rev. Christian VanHouten officiating. Interment will be at Hazen Cemetery immediately following the service.
Pallbearers are Seth Skarda, Clay Clayton, Josh VanHouten, Bobby Rogers, Andy Rogers, and Michael Keith.
Honorary Pallbearers are Brad Caviness, John Cook, Brian Cress, Hollis Foster, John Gerety, Eddie McMullen, Danny Meins, Paul Miller, Beau Moss, Terry Murphy, Jimmy Nosler, Glenn Rega, Randy Joe Skarda, Ross Skarda, and Bobby Wofford.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Felicia Minor, who cared for and loved Beth in her last months of life, Baptist Hospice Care, Freida Isbell, as well as UAMS and Dr. Shirley Ong, who helped her fight this disease and gave exceptional care.
The family requests memorial be sent to Hazen Public Library P.O. Box 428 Hazen, AR 72064.
Sorry so to hear about Beth, I remember growing up with her and her family, she was a special lady. Now she’s in heaven rejoicing with my mom (Sheila) and her in laws. Praying for your family. Love, Lavey Family.
My sympathies! I am an AOPi sister from Arkansas State. May God bless you all as you go through this sad time. But you will see her again…
I am heart broken right now. For my Brother In Law and my Sister. Words cannot describe the relationsip we have had over so many years. I will miss her dearly. She was like our Sister, to Julie and I. May she Rest In Peace. She will be sorely missed. I love you Beth.
Amanda, my most sincere prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I pray God provide you’ll with unbelievable love, comfort, peace and understanding. “Bea” will truly be missed.
Bethette touched many lives with her love for children and books. I had the honor to be her friend for over 25 years and teach with her for 17. We made memories that shall not fade.
My heart hurts for Bobby, Andy, and Amanda. Beth was one of the most professional and dedicated teachers that I have every worked with. Truly a sad loss.
Truly a wonderful lady with a beautiful smile. She certainly made her mark on this world. Prayers for all that will miss her.
Beth was one of the finest ladies a person could ever meet in Hazen. She was a kind and loving person. She loved her family and friends dearly. I will never forget the kindness she showed to me in 1995 when I broke both of my wrist. She will truly be missed by many. My heart aches for Bobby, Andy and Amanda as well as her two best friends Vicki and Monty. May God gjve the comfort that you need at this time of need.
My heart is very heavy from the loss of our Beautiful Mother, Sister wife and friend. She was loved by all. So happy we got to spend some time with you the last few years. The world is a better place because of you. Prayers to the family. Love you Beth.
Beth was a wonderful lady that will be missed by so many. You all will be in my prayers.
Bobby..so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Chris and Leslie Cummings
Bobby, I am so sorry to hear of Beth’s passing. I pray God will give you and your beautiful family the strength to go on in this world until you all see her again.
My Thoughts & Prayers are with Bobby & Family. Beth was a Pillar to the Community. She has left a Real Void.
paulaj.pris@gmail.com Continued prayers for the family of Beth and to all that knew and loved her with all their hearts.
At this moment my heart is sad. Beth, I know that you are now pain free and at peace. To your family, it was wonderful to know Beth and have her as my friend. I will cherish knowing and serving with her on the Prairie County Library Board. Loved you beautiful lady.
Bobby – Our deepest sympathies in the loss of your beloved wife. Our prayers for God to wrap you in His arms and comfort you as only He can –
Lew and Mary Eddleman
To all the family, Beth and Bill were our neighbors when we lived in Stuttgart and have great memories of the Moss family. The VW bug in the snow was a special time, will be in our prayers.
First of all my deepest sympathies to the family. Beth Rogers was a wonderful lady with a true love for all, especially children. She will be greatly missed.
Beth was a wonderful and beautiful lady inside and out. My prayers are with all of you.
Jo & Terry McCallie
Prayers for strength and comfort for Bob, Andy, and Amanda, and their families. Peace be with you.
I was very sad to read of Beth’s passing. My sincerest condolences to you Bobby and your children. Needless to say, memories of Beth came flooding back of our time at ASU and as AOPi sisters. Her smile I remember most of all and how it could and would light up a room. She was truly special and again I am truly sorry for your loss.
So sorry! Beth was a beautiful person.
What a warm and lively spirit! May your memories of Beth help mend your broken hearts, bring you joy, and give you peace.