Della Rodgers, 88

Longtime Toole County resident Della Rodgers, 88, passed away on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, in Bigfork, with her son by her side. She was born on Nov. 11, 1921, in Orton, Alberta, to early pioneers, Josiah and Mary Elizabeth (Lyon) Orr. Della was the youngest and last of their 11 children. Patriarch/father Josiah Orr made the arduous trek with his family, bands of sheep and herd of horses from the ancestral home in Liberty-Bear Lake, Idaho, to develop and found the hamlet of Orton near the Montana/Alberta border. Della s childhood and formative years were spent at the family homesteads, raising and shearing sheep, tending to the necessary gardens, chickens and household tasks of agrarian life. It was at this time her lifelong love of animals, nature, birds, hard work and diligence proved fortuitous. Her primary schooling necessitated walking to a one-room school house. Junior and secondary school was a horseback ride of several miles often in harsh weather conditions on her favorite horse, Ole Blue. Della blossomed into a beautiful, intelligent, strong and determined young woman, catching the eye of her future husband, Wesley F. Rodgers. The couple married on July 7, 1943, in the Cardston Alberta Temple, and honeymooned in Waterton National Park. Relocating to Montana, Della and her husband lived in Sweetgrass until they retired to the east shore of Flathead Lake. Retirement endeavors focused on raising an orchard of cherries and apples. Della had a myriad of passions. She was a creative homemaker and took substantial pride in her cooking, setting a fine table of nutritious meals for her family and friends. She excelled as a seamstress and quilt maker. Above all, she was an accomplished singer and musician. She played the piano, organ, guitar, harp and her beloved harmonica, bringing joy and happiness to all. In later years she kept her journal and wrote poetry to inspire those she loved. Her church callings were numerous, life-long and substantive. She was a willing community participant, and approached all tasks with vigor and enthusiasm, always willing to help others. The natural wonders of Montana, east and west of the mountains, and Glacier and Waterton National Parks were considered essential elements of her soul. She loved a good time, raucous laughter and imaginative debate with all those she encountered. Above all, she was a wonderful mother with that endearing smile that will be forever imprinted in our memories. Henceforth, with the arrival of each new spring, the sweet and sonorous lilt of our state bird, the meadowlark, beloved to you, will remind us of your joyous, indomitable spirit. Adieu, grandma. Our love for you is eternal. The family is appreciative of the compassion and care given Della as a resident of Lake View Care Center by the staff and Dr. Ducote for the last two years. This loving wife, mother, aunt and friend was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 57 years; two sisters; and eight brothers. She is survived by her son, Allen Rodgers, of Bigfork; a daughter, Jo-Layne Vogt, of Spanish Fork, Utah; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 56 nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind five special felines, Misty, Tux, Socks, Itty-Bitty and Spook. Funeral services for Della will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bigfork. Following a reception at the church, the committal service will be held at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. The family will be available for one hour prior to the services in the Relief Society room where Della will be available to be viewed. Memorials may be sent to either the Northwest Montana Humane Society, Box 221, Kalispell, MT 59903; or to an L.D.S. Missionary Fund. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Della s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Della s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.