Mary Doris Rodges (Lancaster)

Mary Doris Rodges (Lancaster) was born September 30, 1928 to Brent Silas Ford and Mary Belle Peace Ford in Mexia, Texas. She passed from this life on Saturday, August 7, 2021 after a long illness. In her last days many came by her bedside to express their love and kindness for a woman who was quick to extend a welcoming smile both at the beginning and end of difficult days. She was passionately known as “Mamaw” to her family; many adopted members she affectionately called family. Her acceptance to all she came in contact with was described as loving, compassionate, kind, heartfelt empathy, and a willingness to support or help in her unselfish way.

Doris married Hayden Donald Rodges June 5, 1946 in Dallas, Texas. They shared thirty-six years of love that only dreams are made of. After he died 1982, she threw herself into crafting, such as making and teaching others to quilt, crocheting, leading the small band at the local Senior Club, and square dancing. Mamaw made more than 20 quilts for her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She crocheted wheelchair afghans for the wounded soldiers at the VA, skull caps for the Afghanistan soldiers and blanket/cap sets for the still-born babies at Baylor All Saints Hospital in Ft. Worth (where she had breast cancer surgery years before). Her love for music was realized and heard when she lead the ‘Comb and Spoon Band’ during their performances at local nursing homes and rehab centers in Keller. You could see her love for dance on the floor every first Tuesday at the Senior Citizens monthly dance and during her years of square dancing with the Swinging Singles Square Dance Club, not to mention stopping the show when she and Babe (her beloved husband) danced the jitterbug. Doris was also involved in Meals on Wheels in Keller. Her willingness to give of herself to the community was commendable. She worked many years with brides-to-be and continued to participate in family weddings. Doris was a model we should all strive to be.

Mary is survived by her children: Sharon (Ronnal) London, Beverly (James) Hale, Don (Tye) Rodges; six grandchildren: Micheal London, Jalynn Rake, Tana (Rick) Smith, Shane (Catherine) Rodges, Shaliese (Bobby) Woodard, H. D. (Courtney) Rodges; thirteen great grandchildren: Dillon Rake, Breannah Woodard, Shawn Rodges, Paige Smith, Savannah Irvin, Peyton Smith, Lilly Woodard, Caz Irvin, Ty Rodges, Hayden Rodges, Brylee Rodges, Tatyanna Austin and Sabian Holmes; sister, Eva Slate and many other extended family and friends.

“If roses grow in heaven, Lord please pick a bunch for me, Place them in my Mamaw’s arms, And tell her they’re from me.”

--by Dolores M. Garcia