Marilyn, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025 at the age of 77. A woman of warmth, wisdom, and an adventurous spirit, she touched countless lives through her kindness, passion for education, and love for her family. Marilyn was born on April 30, 1947, in Colby, Kansas to Willard Treu & Betty (Liester) Treu & was raised on the farmstead in northeast Sheridan County. After high school graduation from Sheridan County High School in 1965, Marilyn continued her education at Fort Hays State University where she graduated with her education degree in 1969. While attending college, Marilyn married her high school sweetheart, James Rynard Rogers on June 18, 1966. Jim & Marilyn started their married life following college in Quinter, Kansas where Marilyn taught first grade for four years. Once returning to their hometown of Hoxie, Marilyn started teaching Kindergarten at Hoxie Grade School.
Marilyn dedicated her life to learning and teaching. As a devoted elementary teacher and catholic youth education director, she believed in the power of knowledge and inspired many along the way. Her students and colleagues will remember her for her unwavering dedication and gentle encouragement. After leaving her elementary teaching career, Marilyn dedicated many years to the family business, Sunflower Chemical. To this day she still talked about her memories of the guys from Sunflower. During many of those same years, she dedicated many hours to the youth of St Frances Cabrini as the director of religious education. Marilyn spent countless hours of her spare time devoting her talents to the community through NEC theater productions, her gift of piano playing, & as one of the founding board members of the Sheridan County Amusement Company.
Outside of her career, Marilyn loved being a mother above all else. One of Marilyn’s favorite places to spend with her children Brent & Brooke was the Hoxie city pool on hot summer days. Even when her own children outgrew the pool, Marilyn continued enjoying days at the pool with her grandchildren and loved more than anything family days at Shelley’s pool in the country. Her most cherished memories with family by her side were in the Maui sunshine celebrating many Christmas holidays & family weddings. Above all, Marilyn adored her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She was their biggest cheerleader, their storyteller, and their source of endless love. When she first became a grandmother there was already a Grandma Rogers, so she chose the name “Mere-Mere” as it means mother in French so for the past twenty-two years, she became Mere-Mere to those closest to her. She also shared a special bond with her beloved dog, Bella, who was by her side always.
Marilyn found joy in life’s simple and beautiful moments. She had a deep love for gardening, tending to her flowers with the same care and patience she showed to those around her. Birdwatching brought her a sense of peace, and she cherished every moment spent by the ocean, where the waves and salty breeze always made her feel at home. A true adventurer at heart, she loved to travel, embracing new cultures and experiences with enthusiasm. Her appreciation for Spanish-style décor and jewelry reflected her vibrant spirit and appreciation for beauty in all forms.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, James R Rogers, daughter Brooke Hill, Aurora, Colorado, son Brent and wife Jodi Rogers, Hoxie, grandchildren Paiton and Kinley Rogers & Quinlynn Hill, sisters Shelley Nondorf (Bill) of Hoxie & Carole Clark (Pete) of Parker, Colorado, and nieces & nephews. She is now reunited with those who went before her, especially her beloved parents, Willard & Betty Treu, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.
A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:30 am at St Frances Cabrini Church, Hoxie, Kansas. Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 6 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, with family present from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm to receive friends. The vigil and rosary service will follow the visitation at 7:00 pm. Memorial donations can be made to Sheridan County Community Foundation, PO Box 445, Hoxie KS 67740, in creation of the Rogers Family Fund with funds received in Marilyn’s memory to be granted to the Hoxie CYO.