Shirley Ann Rogers

Shirley Ann Schawke-Rogers, 86, passed on to heaven peacefully, on July 1, 2025, in Fresno, California. She lived in Coarsegold, Ca. for over 45 years with her husband Chuck Rogers, and both were very involved within the mountain area community for many years. They were very happily married for almost 60 years, living in Fresno, Ca. before moving to Coarsegold.

Born on September 24, 1938, Shirley was raised in Sumner, Iowa, where she attended Sumner Elementary School and Sumner High School. While in High School she has fond memories of being a cheerleader and playing the trumpet in the marching band. She continued her education at Iowa State Teachers College, and a year at Colorado Springs, and later finished her degree at Fresno State University. Her passion for learning led her to a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher, dedicating over 20 years to educating young minds at Wasuma Elementary School in Ahwahnee, California. She met the love of her life, Charles F. Rogers, at Sequoia National Park where they were both working summer jobs. They were married June 10, 1961 and later had a daughter, Kristine K. Rogers (now Barnes), and following 3 years later, a son, Benjamin B. Rogers.

Shirley was deeply devoted to her faith and was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fresno, California. She shared her love for teaching beyond the classroom by leading Sunday School and adult Bible studies, lending her voice to the church choir, and volunteering for whatever was needed within the many church ministries.

She found great joy in quilting, reading, camping, and traveling. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family and never missed an opportunity to support her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their sporting events, and classroom volunteer opportunities.

Shirley is lovingly remembered by her daughter Kris Barnes and her husband Jeff; her son Ben Rogers and his partner Kamee Jennings; grandsons: Lance Barnes and his wife Megan and their family, Daniel Barnes and his fiancee Kalie Zimmerman; Shirley was also blessed with five great-grandchildren - Gauge Barnes (12), Zane Barnes (12), Kelly Rose Barnes (4) - and step great-grandchildren - Travis Bittle (13) and Nicole Bittle (11). She is also survived by her brothers: Lonnie Schwake and his wife Lana and their family, Tom Schwake and his wife Deb and their family; and her beloved sister-in-law, Gerri Schwake.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chuck Rogers; her parents Lorenz and Mildred Schwake; and her brother Larry Schwake.

A graveside service will be held at Oakhill Cemetery in Oakhurst, California on Wednesday July 16, 2025, at 9:00 am. There will also be a Celebration of Life later, on Wednesday August 6th at 11:00 at her Church Redeemer Lutheran in Fresno, Ca. The Celebration of Life will include a service, and following there will be a luncheon to allow everyone time to visit and share memories. All friends and family are welcome to attend.

Shirley's legacy of faith, love for family, and dedication to education will continue to inspire all who knew her.