Kay Rogers

Greta Kay Rogers

December 14, 1938 – January 27, 2022

Kay was born in Tipton, OK on December 14, 1938, and grew up in Springlake/Earth, Texas on her family farm. Kay was the 4th baby girl born into her family, and anytime she wanted something that all the kids were clamoring for, she would say “Me second!” because she was pretty sure there was absolutely no chance of being first! Kay’s family moved to Elida, New Mexico when Kay was fourteen. When they moved to Elida, people warned her parents about rattlesnakes, but they never warned them about tall handsome cowboys! Soon after moving to Elida a local cowboy stole Kay’s heart. Dale and Kay Rogers were married in Earth, Texas in 1954, and in May of 2021 they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

In 1970, Kay and Dale moved to Roswell, purchased Roswell Livestock Auction and began ranching in Elida and Roswell. During their twelve years of ownership, their hard work and dedication led the Auction to become well respected in the ranching community and throughout Southeastern New Mexico. In 1984, they sold the Auction to Larry Wooton and concentrated their efforts on the “farm store”. Kay and Dale opened Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply in 1975, and worked tirelessly to create a store that would be a “one-stop shop” for people all over Southeastern New Mexico. As Kay always says, “We went to the store one day and forgot to go home”. The store was definitely a second home for Kay, and it gave her so much joy to be able to work alongside her family every day. She formed life-long relationships with the friends and customers that came through their doors, and she loved giving back to the community that she loved. She served on numerous boards and was involved in various civic organizations during her 50 years in Roswell, including Assurance Home board, Community Foundation of Chaves County, Chaves County EDC board, ENMU-R Foundation board and being past President and board member of the Roswell Chamber of Commerce. Kay & Dale are members of Country Club Road Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband, Dale Rogers; her siblings Burton & Harriet Seymour and Ann Hedges; her children Rodney & Patti Rogers, Rance Rogers, Reba Rogers, Russ & Marla Rogers and ReChele & Kent Taylor; her grandchildren Paige & John Hodge, Desiree & Cody Rattan, Kimberly & Matt Dillon, Taryn & Brian Houghtalin, Jeremy Rogers & Monika Kosztyo, Matthew & Onnie Rogers, Bryce & Emily Taylor, Dillon Rogers and 12 great-grandchildren who she always called her precious ones, Michael, Jaxon, Leroy, Henry, Hadley, Miles, Martin, Lily, Annie, Lewis, Hawk and Ellen; along with countless nephews, nieces, cousins and a huge extended family that she loved so much.

Kay Rogers was one of a kind. She was so incredibly joyful, loving & caring, kind, wise, and most importantly constant. She never wavered. We knew that if we called her, no matter what it was about, she would drop everything and listen. Truly listen. And then she would talk things through with you until your mind was at peace. She put her all into everything that she did and into the people that she cared about. She was a friend to so many. She just had that “thing”. If she walked into a room, she spread joy to everyone she encountered. She truly was a light. One of our favorite “Kay-isms” was “That makes my heart happy” and she lived that sentiment - so many things made her heart happy. She loved people and was so incredibly generous and helped everywhere that she could. She loved her family and loved her employees like family. She just had such an open and giving heart that she shared with so many.

She lived her life to the fullest and gave such insight and wisdom to those who were blessed enough to be around her. She taught us to always look for the best in every situation, and to never allow life to bring you down. She taught us to never think you know so much that you can’t learn something new. She taught us to choose happiness and joy every day. She taught us the importance of family and how to be a constant source of stability and love. She taught us that one person can make such a difference in countless lives. And last but not least, she always told us to remember that we are Blessed, not lucky.

We are left with so many special memories of our dear Mama Kay. She loved doing anything and everything as long as her family was surrounding her. From sitting at the campfire at the ranch, to singing hymns, to telling stories from the past and laughing into the night, to playing 42 with her family, the list goes on and on. She was “that” person for us. We wouldn’t trade these years for anything. We will treasure the countless trips, talking endlessly about everything and nothing, all the laughter and sometimes tears. Even in the tears she would say, “No Stinkin’ Thinkin’” and then always pointed out the good in the situation. She never wavered. She was joyful and laughing to the very end.

We are so incredibly blessed (Remember – Blessed, not lucky!) to have had such an incredible person to look up to, and we will work diligently to continue the legacy that she built. As much as we will miss her here on this earth, we know that she had a huge welcoming committee waiting in Heaven for her. There’s no doubt that when she walked through those pearly gates God said, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Funeral Services for Kay Rogers will be held at Country Club Road Church of Christ (700 W. Country Club Rd, Roswell NM) on Friday, February 4, 2022, at 2:00 PM, with Graveside Services to immediately follow at South Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her sons and grandsons. Kay had such a special place in her heart for Assurance Home and the selfless love they give to teenage children who need caring support and a safe place to live. In lieu of flowers, it would “make Kay’s heart happy” for donations to be made to Assurance Home in her honor.