Elma Lucille McConnell Rogers

Aug. 27, 1922 – Nov. 10, 2014

Elma was born in Kanopolis, Kansas to Claude and Julia McConnell joining 2 siblings, Lillian and Hugh, later followed by brother, Dale and three sisters: Helen, Claudine, and Lorene. Elma was a child of the Great Depression, whose family left Kansas when the salt mines closed. The family along with her Dad’s brother’s family moved to Watts, Oklahoma where they survived as many did during that era on what they grew on their 2 adjoining farms.

Elma did not receive much of an education, as the work of keeping the growing family feed along with her brother Hugh & Lillian on the farm interrupted her education. Years later, she completed her education with a GED Certificate.

She married Elmer H Peal in July 14th, 1940, shortly thereafter they moved to Oregon, then Washington to work in agriculture. Elmer was drafted in March of 1944 and killed in action April 23, 1945 in the Philippine Islands. Elma was widowed with 3 sons, Jerry, Junior and Douglas.

Elma married a farmer from Ellensburg, WA., Delmar Kerns known as Bud to family and friends, January 17, 1946). They moved to the lower Yakima valley, north of Prosser, WA and started farming. Their marriage resulted in 2 more additions to the family, Clinton and Kami. They farmed until 1959, and then moved to Scappoose, OR where Delmar bought a share in Linnton Plywood Co-Op. They built the Kerns Apartments in Scappoose. They divorced in 1973.

In the 70’s, Elma worked at Lippman’s Department Store in downtown Portland, then at Wilson High School in the cafeteria where she met Ervin Rogers, a custodian. They were married in December 1978. She retired in 1982.

Elma loved to travel. With trips to Hawaii, Alaska, US and Canada, cruises to Alaska and through the Panama Canal. A trip to Asia in 2000 with her sons, Jerry & Junior to find Elmer’s grave at the military cemetery in the Philippines. This trip also included Hong Kong, Bali, Singapore and China. Her favorite trips were with Lorene and George Ballantyne on many long motor trips.

Elma was fortunate to live 92 years without experiencing the loss of any of her children for which she expressed thankfulness. For a child of the depression with limited education, she accomplished much. Her sewing, quilting and handmade items are enjoyed by many friends and family. Her flowers provided bouquets to her church in Beaverton from spring through fall were enjoyed for years.

Her friendships were deep and lasting. Her love for her brothers and sisters was among the deepest. Her love for her children was returned to her in the last years of her life in ways that were the envy of the residents of the assisted living facilities she resided in. A member of her family visited every day. Her love for her Lord was unwavering.

Elma was fortunate to live 92 years without experiencing the loss of any of her children for which she expressed thankfulness. She is survived by her children: Jerry (Delores) Peal, Junior Peal, Douglas (Carolyn) Peal and Kami (Jim) Smith of Scappoose, OR., Clinton (Bonnie) Kerns of St. Helens, OR., Sister Lorene (George) Ballantyne of Corpus Christi, TX and like-a-son Dr. Paul Jensen of Lincoln City, OR., numerous loved grandchildren, great-grand children, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Thank you to Spring Meadows in St. Helens and Community Hospice in Longview for your loving care.

She was laid to rest at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland, OR. November 18th 11:00 AM.