Betty Ruth Rogers

Our beloved mother, Betty Ruth Rogers, joined her Heavenly family on June 8, 2025, at the age of 93, after a long and courageous battle with dementia. She passed peacefully in Chandler, Arizona, surrounded by love.

Born and raised in Oakdale, New York, Betty was born to Robert T. Shafer Sr. and Ruth E. Fairchild. She was preceded in death by her sister Beverly Morgan and younger brother Larry A. Shafer, and is survived by her brother Robert T. Shafer Jr. and his wife Charlene, and her sister Joyce Welch.

After graduating from Johnson City High School, Betty attended Ridley’s Secretarial School, laying the foundation for a lifelong career in the travel and aviation industries. She broke barriers in 1965 as the first woman school bus driver in the area, working for her father’s bus company. Her passion for travel led her to AAA Travel in Endicott in the late 1960s, where she planned international tours and escorted “fam trips” around the world. In 1984, she bought Endwell Travel, a travel agency she ran with dedication and heart until her retirement in 1995.

On Valentine’s Day 1950, Betty married, William (Bill) Rogers, and together they built a joyful life. Betty is survived by her four children: Cheryl Hardy and her husband Dale Hardy, Pat Rogers and her partner Russell Wakelin, Fred Rogers, Dianne Rogers and her husband Bruce Waldvogel. She also leaves behind four grandchildren she adored: Lindsay Wallace and her husband Aaron Bates, Jessica Hardy, David Hardy and his partner Erica Carley, and Seth Palaschak, as well as a growing legacy of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

In 1970, Betty purchased her home on Dean Drive, where she became an active part of the community’s early development. From spreading the first loads of dirt along walking paths to planting flowers, hauling water, and later helping to create the Highland Park 9/11 Memorial Garden, she brought beauty and care to every space she touched. She was a proud member of the Endwell Garden Club, with a special fondness for roses.

Betty’s commitment to her community ran deep. She served for many years in the Triple Cities Women’s Club and made history as the first woman appointed to the Broome County Advisory Board, attending monthly meetings at the Broome County Airport—where her early career had once taken flight as a flight attendant with Mohawk Airlines.

After retiring, Betty spent her winters in Arizona, visiting her daughters and grandchildren. Even then, her generous spirit didn’t rest—she volunteered regularly, driving seniors to medical appointments and delivering Meals on Wheels. She also delighted in travel outings and social gatherings with the Red Hat Club. Betty rooted her life in family, faith, and service.

Betty lived a remarkable life—filled with love, laughter, adventure, and unwavering service to others. Her strength, independence, and gentle heart touched everyone who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of deep roots, wide-reaching impact, and blooming memories.

The family will receive friends for a viewing on Monday, June 23, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Barber Memorial Home.

A memorial service will be held the following day, Tuesday, June 24, at 11:00 a.m., also at Barber Memorial Home, with interment to follow at Chenango Valley Cemetery.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell