Blue District - KSDA

Ernestine C. "Ernie" Rogers, 91, formerly of Topeka, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 23, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky where she was currently residing with her son. She was born May 4, 1926 in Stafford, Kansas, the daughter of Ernest E. and Mary Marie (Tedder) Curtis.

Ernie graduated from Stafford High School. She earned a teaching certificate from Emporia State Teachers College. She started college when her youngest child started kindergarten, one of her accomplishments she was most proud of. She attained her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees and spent her entire professional career teaching and counseling elementary age children.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, upon her retirement she and her husband, Bob became involved in square dancing, traveling all over the United States. Bob and Ernie served Kansas Square Dance Association starting 1997 until 2001 when they because Presidents. They were members of the Strato Jets Square Dance Club in Topeka and served as officer in the club many times. Plus Squares in Topeka, Round and Square Dance with all the local clubs every chance they got. Another great passion of Ernie's was jewelry. She and Bob enjoyed making fine silver and ceramic jewelry and traveling to craft shows to sell their products and meet other people. They also were members of the Gem and Mineral Society.

Ernestine married Robert H. "Bob" Rogers on October 27, 1945 in Stafford. He preceded her in death on July 18, 2009. She was also preceded in death by two daughters, Ernestine "Tina" Burghart, Deborah Rogers and granddaughters, Margaret Rogers and Leslie Burghart.

Survivors include their son, four grandchildren, three great-grandsons and her sister.

Also surviving is her neighbor and long-time friend, Becky Babcock whom the family would like to recognize and thank for all the care that she gave Ernie.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Burial will follow in West Lawn Memorial Gardens. Ernestine will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Monday, October 30, 2017 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 S.W. 21st St., Topeka, Kansas 66604.