Mona Elaine Rodgers

On March 30th our family lost our North Star that always guided us with love. Mona was born in West Memphis, Arkansas to loving parents, Bob and Elaine Howell, who predeceased her. At an early age she moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma where she grew up before leaving home for college. She is survived by her adoring children, son Colin, and wife Barbara; daughter Natalie, and husband Jerrell; grandchildren Zane, Maxwell, Nathan and soon expected “Baby Laine”; and her loving and devoted husband David. Mona also leaves a large extended family to hold dear her memory that includes her loving brother Bobby; loving brother Billy, and wife Debbie; her cherished sister Mary, and husband Gregg; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and their spouses and children.

Mona graduated with a BBA in Accounting from Oklahoma State University in 1977 and became a CPA in Texas in 1986. In 1984 she met David on a blind date and they remained together for over 40 years of marriage. For many years she worked as a bank officer for Texas Commerce Bank and Chase Bank before accepting a position at AIM Investments as an advisor. Always charitable, she made sure to give generously to the Houston Food Bank both as a donor and volunteer and also to the Star of Hope mission for the homeless. At home, she always wanted, and had, a swimming pool and put it to good use swimming laps, aerobics and, of course, having fun with her grandchildren while teaching them proper swimming technique. Probably her favorite activity was going to Galveston whether for overnight stays or day trips; it did not matter how long or short the visit was, she loved the beach and playing in the surf for hours with her children and grandchildren teaching them a love and appreciation for the Gulf Coast.

After retirement, she pursued her passion for gardening to an even higher level turning our yard, especially the backyard into a seasonal showcase that we enjoyed year-round welcoming the hummingbirds and monarchs on their yearly migrations north and south. I would tell her that if the neighborhood had a ‘backyard of the month’ she would win it hands down. During this time, she reconnected with a love for arts and crafts, taking painting classes and creating whimsical decorations for her garden. She also discovered a love for the game of golf and shared that love with Zane and Maxwell by enrolling them in golf camps while staying at our home during summer break. For many years she was a regular women's league member here at our local course where she made many friends. Many times, after chemotherapy or other treatment, she would go play nine holes with her group the next day loving every minute. She loved to travel internationally and at home, but her favorite trip by far was Spring Break 2024 when all her children, their spouses and grandchildren joined us for a family trip to Costa Rica.

When she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma on December 12, 2012 she faced her illness with hope, courage and perseverance. She always maintained a positive attitude with the hope that a new and better treatment was on the horizon. She showed courage in facing the unknown side effects that awaited her in clinical trials she participated in for her own good and that of others. For the better part of 12 years and 3 months she persevered through difficult treatments that would give her more time with family, especially her grandsons. She always said that “dying is a part of living.” We were and are extremely grateful to have had her with us as long as we did. We are also eternally grateful that we were able to be at her side when she passed peacefully at home.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home located at 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas with a reception immediately following from 3 to 5 PM at the same location. Per Mona’s request, please do not wear black or navy blue, but instead a bright color or floral pattern you feel comfortable in.

The family would like to sincerely thank all of our family, friends, neighbors and colleagues for their outpouring of love and support at this difficult time. We would also like to extend our thanks and appreciation to all of Mona's doctors, nurses, and specialists that cared for her over the years at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and also to those at the Ohio State University James Cancer Research Center.

For those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mona’s name, please direct those gifts to:

MD Anderson Volunteer Endowment for Patient and Caregiver Support (VEPS) by contacting Jocelyn Rogers at [email protected]

The Houston Food Bank at houstonfoodbank.org

The Star of Hope Mission at sohmission.org

Or a charity of your choice