Lulu Rogers, 93

Lulu Rogers, 93, Columbia Falls, died Sunday, March 22, 2015, at Bee Hive Homes of Columbia Falls.

 Lulu was born April 6, 1921, in the house on the hill overlooking the Flathead River east of Columbia Falls. She was born to Fred and Mary Loeffler and joined a brother, Henry. She spent her entire life in Columbia Falls, graduating from Columbia Falls High School in 1939 as class salutatorian. 

On June 12, 1940, she married J. Ted Rogers and moved “across the field” to join him in operating Rogers’ Dairy. Ted and Lulu built their home on Rogers Road where they raised their three daughters and warmly welcomed friends and family throughout their lives.

Lulu grew a big garden in the summer and “put up” the produce, baked bread, sewed the family’s clothes, washed clothes in the old Maytag wringer washing machine and hung them on the line to dry. She was ready at a moment’s notice to assist with the farm work, taught Sunday school, supported the girls in all their activities, cooked huge meals for haymakers and family holidays, and saved time for playing pinochle with good friends.

 The inside work kept her busy but she loved being outside the best ... fishing with her daddy on the frozen Flathead River as a child and, later in life, fishing trips to Cyclone Lake and the North Fork and South Forks of the Flathead River. She was an avid huckleberry picker and would head to the North Fork for a picnic at the drop of a hat. Hiking to Sperry Chalet and the top of Lincoln Peak at age 51, and traveling later in life with Ted were highlights for Lulu. She was the first to spot spring buttercups and enjoyed watching the birds at her feeder.

 In retirement, she and Ted delivered Meals on Wheels in Columbia Falls. She volunteered at the Klothes Kloset, the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, and was active at the Senior Center serving on the board, working in the kitchen and assisting with pinochle parties. She continued her lifetime involvement at Columbia Falls United Methodist Church where she was a member for 63 years.  

In May 2010, she chose to move into Bee Hive Homes Assisted Living.  She made new friends and enjoyed the freedom from cooking, cleaning and stoking the wood fire.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ted, her parents, brother, and a grandson.

Survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Ruth and Bob Clawson, Shirley and Ed Folkwein, and Luci and Dave Yeats, all living on the family farm south of Columbia Falls; four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Burial is at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at Woodlawn Cemetery, Columbia Falls, followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service at Columbia Falls United Methodist Church with the Rev. Debra Wacker officiating.

 The family suggests memorials to the Columbia Falls United Methodist Church, Flathead Lake United Methodist Camp, North Valley Senior Center, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Columbia Mortuary is caring for Lulu’s family.