Mary Rogers

It’s impossible to describe someone like Mary in just a few words, so we won’t try. Mary Rogers 80, of Fort Wayne died April 17, 2025, at Sage Bluff Health and Rehabilitation Center.  She was born October 1, 1944, in Oceola, Nebraska. Proudly, she did not go gentle into that good night. She died like she lived her life, strong and determined to the end. She was most proud of her daughters.  She intentionally set out to raise three individual, strong-willed women, and that’s exactly what she did. Mary could teach herself anything and mastered crochet, origami, braided-hemp jewelry, and balloon magic. She took her ballooning skills to the next level and became “Buford T. Bum” the clown. She delighted crowds of children at birthday parties and even threw out the first pitch at a Fort Wayne Wizards game one year. She was an advocate for the poor for her whole life.  On her deathbed she was considering treats for fellow residents without visitors.  She is survived by her Sister Sonja Harr of Indianapolis, three daughters Emiley Rogers-Bly (Heather,) Jessica Rogers-Miller (Steve), and Mindy Rogers all of Fort Wayne. Three grandchildren Jenny Seely (Craig) of West Richland, WA, Sam and Mary Miller, both of Fort Wayne. Four great-grandchildren, Rachel, Oliva, Jake, and Kylie, two great-great-grandchildren, as well as two nephews and three nieces. Not to mention the many adopted relatives that seasoned her life over the years including Chris and Mike, who knew her as Grandmama Bear. She was very loved. A true

A true Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Ceruti’s Reception Hall located at 6601 Innovation Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46818, in the Diamond Room, from 1:00 – 5:00 PM with a brief speaking program at 2:00 PM. Special thanks to the staff at Sage Bluff, and Brittany and Courtney at Solace Hospice.  Memorials to the family, please. 

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