Karen Ann Rogers

Karen Ann Rogers, age 77, beloved Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Friend and Lover of Books passed from this world into the next on Tuesday morning February 16, 2021, at MorningStar Assisted Living in Fort Collins, CO. She leaves behind her Husband Don Rogers who was at her side; along with their three children, Scott, Stacy and Mark.

Karen was one of 7 siblings, being the second from the youngest. She is survived by one sister, Betty and one brother, Craig. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Joleen and three brothers, Delbert, Dick and Clair.

Born and raised in Nebraska, Karen graduated from North Platte Senior High School in 1961. As her father put it, "Karen never met a stranger and could talk a blind man out of his cane." Describing Karen as a "people person" couldn't be more accurate. She continued her studies at Business School in Denver, graduating with an Associates Degree in Business.

Karen met her husband, Don Rogers of 57 years, in Denver, CO. Together they raised three children, Scott, Stacy and Mark. As the wife of a Forester, she lived and thrived in many small towns near big forests. From Walden, CO near Rabbit Ears Pass to Del Norte, in the San Luis Valley of Southern CO to the Black Hills of Custer, SD to the legendary boomtown of Leadville, CO eventually settling down in the college town of Fort Collins, CO. The friendships she formed while living in these places were so very special and important to Karen.

Always ready to go and learn something new, she made her home in Fort Collins, CO. Anywhere she went she would make friends. And anywhere she went, she would take friends. A woman of great generosity, boundless compassion and unconditional love. A woman whose smile and laugh would light up the room. A woman who celebrated acceptance, inclusion and the joy of friendship and family.

Karen's outgoing nature with people suited her well working as a county clerk and the front office for several doctors and medical practices. She was the friendly face that greeted you when you arrived as well as when you left. She loved to volunteer with MOPS groups at church and help with assembling backpacks for children in local schools.

An avid reader, Karen loved learning, books and her dogs. She was a regular at the library and enjoyed being in several book clubs over the years, as well as supporting Friends of the Library. She and Mac, her fluffy samoyed were members of HABIC (Human-Animal Bond In Colorado). They would visit school children and of course, Karen would read with them while Mac provided the animal assisted therapy.

Grandmother was another of Karen's titles she wore with pride. Her grandchildren Emma, Jack, Kailea and Malia loved her very much and could always count on Grandma to read a story, talk to them during picnics, tea parties, take them shopping, on trolley rides for ice cream and to cheer them on while watching their activities. The grandchildren knew Karen's favorite thing to make for dinner were "reservations."

Karen was a 50 year passionate member of PEO, a philanthropic organization that supports women's education through scholarships, supports Cottey College and many other philanthropic projects. Karen was also a member of Beta SIgma Phi.
Karen was a loving person and she was surrounded by friends and family as the angels called her to help organize a book club in heaven. She has been and will always be a shining light in our lives and is deeply missed. We will miss her every day until we see her again.

At request, her body has been cremated and in the months to come, there will be a gathering in Fort Collins, Colorado for Friends and Family to eat and drink and celebrate her life. Details will be forthcoming. In the meantime, and in her honor, in lieu of flowers, she would likely ask that you be kind to one another, be good to one another, and support causes which do the same.