BERTHA ELLEN ROGERS

Bertha Ellen Rogers (nee Damron) was born in Lincoln County, near Whiteside, Missouri on July 14, 1885. She passed away at the St. Joseph's hospital in St. Charles, Missouri on February 12, 1959 at 4:40 a.m. Her age was 73 years, 6 months and 29 days. She was the oldest child of James D. and Ida Davis Damron. Of this family five sisters and one brother survive.

She was united in marriage to Joseph Wesley Rogers on September 11, 1901. Her husband preceded her in death 18 1/2 months ago.

She was the mother of 13 children, one son, William Ralph passed away at the age of 10 months. Surviving children are: Myrtle, now Mrs. Ben Algermissen of Cottleville; Sarah Ellen, now Mrs. Dana Blackwell of Eolia; Beulah, now Mrs. Vernon Vierling of St. Ann; Raymond of St. Charles, Vernon of Elsberry; Berniece, now Mrs. Albert Waldvogel of St. Charles; Malcolm of Tacoma, Washington; Elmer of Winfield; Warren of O'Fallon; Josephine, now Mrs. Max Allen of Lubbock, Texas; Delora, now Mrs. Floyd DeRoy of Foley; and Ida Frances, now Mrs. Orville Rhoades of Elsberry.

She was the beloved grandmother of 33 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren. She leaves her sisters, Mrs. Irene Rose of Eolia; Mrs. Myrtle Graves of Kirkwood, Mrs. Ethel Riffle, Mrs. Pauline Harrell and Mrs. Dorothy Holley all three of Elsberry, and one brother, Owen Damron of Olney, Missouri.

She also leaves a number of nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother and an inspiration to faith and courage to her family, friends, and acquaintances.

Funeral services were held Sunday, February 15, 1959 at the Elsberry Christian Church. Interment was in the Elsberry City Cemetery besides her husband who passed away on July 30, 1957.

She was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church and the pastor, Rev. Alvin Tyler, presided. Mrs. Raymond Miller and Mrs. Reginald Watts sang, accompanied by Mrs. Ben Harrison.