Loving Wife and Mother, Safe in the Arms of Jesus


Kathleen "Kay" Louise Rodgers, 75 of Rockford died on Saturday, September 25, 2010 in her home, surrounded by her loving family, after a two year battle with pancreatic cancer. Kathleen was born on November 13, 1934 in Bloomingdale, IL, daughter of Willard and Evelyn Pohlman. Kathleen was married to Henry R. Rodgers Sr. on February 19, 1955. Kathleen was a devoted wife and mother, and was very much loved by her husband and their nine children. Kathleen was a strong willed woman who survived breast cancer in 1985. She loved animals, especially cats. Kathleen enjoyed playing board games and trivia, she was an avid reader. Kay enjoyed volunteer work, both at church and at school as room mother, PTO and at sports events. She loved music, especially country. She loved movies and often during the summer would pile all the kid's along with their cousins and head for the 'Outdoor' movie show. Kay liked to have fun and to laugh. She was a devoted Catholic. Kathleen is survived by her husband; children, Michael (Deneen Ybarra) Rodgers, of Granite City, William (Elisabeth "Lisa") Rodgers of Caledonia, Kenneth (Kim Larson) Rodgers of Rockton, Tammy (Bruce) Hautamaki of Rockford, Kellyn (Bruce) Denton of Mt. Morris, Paddi (Arthur) Contreras of Rockford, Henry (Luanne) Rodgers Jr. of Rockford, Sean (Ashley) Rodgers of Loves Park, Ryan (Sara Harrilchak) of Loves Park; daughter-in-law Heidi Rodgers of Georgia; Grandchildren; Jessica Rodgers, GA, Heather (Clay) Slover, GA, Erik Rodgers, NIU, Sara Rodgers, Krystle Rodgers, TX, Jennifer Larson, CO, Cody Larson, Logan (Marisa) Hautamaki, Brennan Hautamaki, Fred Hautamaki, Rachel Denton (fiance' Chad), Kelsey Denton, Alexis Denton, Ashley Denton, Lupe, Rosey, Arthur Contreras Jr., Justin Rodgers, Nicholas Dickman, Morgan Rodgers, Danielle Rodgers, John Henry Rodgers, Sterling Lilly, and Great-Grandchildren; Landyn, Clayton, River and Caleb; siblings, Gerald (Crystal) Pohlman of Dixon, Jeannine "Bunny" Villarreal of Texas, numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Jon Harley, beloved sister Patricia and brother, Phillip, daughter-in-law, Trudy (Rodgers) Tyler. Special thanks to all the staff at OSF Center for Cancer Care, especially Dr. Korkmaz, who Kay loved, Peggy R., Megan Z. and Karrie. Many thanks to OSF Hospice. God Bless Marilyn for her loving care.
A Celebration of Kathleen's life will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at Heartland Community Church, 1280 South Alpine Rd. Rockford at 7:00 pm. Visitation begins at 5:00 pm until the time of the service. Cremation rites will be accorded. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, Rockford is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or leave a condolence online, please visit www.graceFH.com .