Judith Ann Rogers

Judith Ann Rogers, 78, of Gardendale, AL passed away on February 15, 2025, after a prolonged battle with dementia. She passed away peacefully at home and with the grace of Christ our Redeemer. Judith (Judy) was born on July 2, 1946, in Marinette, WI, the daughter of Francis Agnes Dellis and Gordon Joseph Dellis.

Judy was the youngest of 6 children who were raised on a farm in Crivitz, WI. She was a very quiet, reserved child who often turned to her twin brother Jim for guidance and reassurance.

She met her husband Richard Leon Rogers and the two were married in 1970 in Milwaukie, WI. After marriage, they moved to New Baltimore, MI where they had two children, Heath and Scott. In 1979, a career promotion for Rich moved the family to Mount Olive, AL. Judy was a home maker for the first few years living in the south. She later worked for the Jefferson County Courthouse, the Birmingham News and finally retired from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. In August of 1989 her husband Rich suddenly passed away. She finished raising two teenage boys single handed. Scott and Heath now appreciate the times she slept on the couch, keeping vigil until they came home, so she would know when they were home safe. Through all her grief, she successfully managed the myriads of challenges teenagers can put upon their parents.

Judy had a kind heart. Growing up, her parents fostered children for the state. In caring for them, she witnessed the terrible conditions from which kids were taken. She couldn’t bear to see suffering in the most vulnerable, especially children and animals. As an adult, she was always encountering an animal in need. Animal rescue became her passion. She worked with the Alabama Animal Adoption Society and TEARS, an animal rescue organization in the greater Birmingham area. Judy, Rich and the boys spent countless weekends at animal adoption events. The family fostered more cats and dogs than can be counted. All were remembered and carried a special place in Judy’s heart.

Judy loved Christmas time and the Catholic faith. Wintertime was always welcome as she loved the rare occurrences of snow in Alabama. As children, Scott and Heath were not allowed to go outside and play until she took pictures of a pristine snow-covered yard in the morning.

Judy could be very silly. She was always the first to laugh at herself. Her silliness was further expressed when she became a grandmother. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. Colin and Caroline were often spoiled with snacks and toys they weren’t supposed to have. She was always eager to babysit whenever asked. Judy, Colin and Caroline all suffered the effects of her dementia as future memories of fun times with Grandma were stolen before they could be made.

Judy’s wish was to pass away peacefully in her home. This was made possible by the loving care of her son Heath who took full responsibility for his mother’s care for over a decade. Heath and her five care givers, Betty, Marsha, Lisa, Connie, and Mandy kept Judy safe, comfortable and loved. Judy has been dearly missed during the years since her mind faded away. That time seemed so slow, but now looking back it was all too fast.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband Richard Leon Rogers and siblings George, Loretta, Carmen and Jerry. She is survived by her sons Heath Rogers and Scott Rogers (Amy), grandchildren Colin and Caroline Rogers and her twin brother Jim Dellis of Crivitz WI.

She will be laid to rest on 2/21/2025 at Oakwood Memorial Gardens cemetery located at 2100 Moncrief Road in Gardendale, AL 35071. Visitation with the family will be held at 10:00 am with a memorial service following at 11:00 am at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Hwy, Gardendale, AL 35071.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Missing Link Rescue (www.missinglinkrescue.org or 205-914-4888).