Ellen Kathleen Rogers

Ellen is survived by her husband William “Randy,” son Randall “Lee” (Kimberly), sisters Marsha and Melanie and brother Anthony, sister-in-law, Charlene.

Ellen was born on July 6, 1953 in Southern Pines, North Carolina to Curtis and Elizabeth Kennedy. She graduated from Robbins High School in 1971. In her younger years she worked as a loom operator at the Robbins Mill, Robbins North Carolina. After moving to Fort Walton Beach, Florida she worked as a waitress and construction assistant. She met Randy, her soulmate in 1978 and they married in 1979. Over six months she worked tirelessly to earn a Nurses Aid certification from Okaloosa County Community College and worked at the Gulf Coast Convalescent Center, Fort Walton, Fl. The couple moved to Omaha, Nebraska in the summer of 1980 and welcomed their son Lee into their home in 1982.

After moving to Panama City in 1983, Ellen worked as a housekeeper at Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn and Billeting Housekeeping. In 1988 she was promoted to and worked as an Inspector until moving to the United Kingdom in July, 1989. There Ellen worked as an ice cream cake decorator. She earned numerous accolades including visits by General officers to personally present letters and awards for the sincere customer care and meticulous detail in all her creations.

In 1994 she became a cashier at the RAF Alconbury Commissary where her cheerful and vivacious personality coupled with highest degree of professionalism quickly earned her the most favored employee status. In 1995 the family move to Colorado Springs, Colorado. There, Ellen worked as department store retail clerk and then as a cashier at the U.S. Air Force Academy Commissary where she again proved herself to be a most precious and adored member. In December, 1997 Ellen’s family moved back home to Brandon, Florida. There, she worked as a cashier at the MacDill Air Force Base Commissary until her retirement in 2006.

Ellen was an accomplished ballroom dancer and enjoyed teaching the sport to other adults and children for free. She was an expert crochet artist and would make colorful blankets, bedspreads, baby boots and many other clothes in creative patterns for anyone who asked. She was a compassionate, benevolent and devout Christian. She eagerly provided food, clothing and financial support to those who needed it whether family or not. She loved all creatures and helped rescue many struggling or wayward animals.

Ellen’s culinary skills were heavenly. Family and friends were always mesmerized by the divine aromas from Italian or Southern meals cooked to perfection and always available.

Private services are going to be held for Ellen.