Della was born November 29, 1922 in Nampa, ID, the first of two children, to Wilbur “Mac” and Grace (Jones) McCarty. She grew up in Nampa on her family farm and graduated from Nampa High School in 1940. After completing high school she moved to Ontario, OR where she met her first husband Glen Rogers. The couple married on July 3, 1944 and had three children, Gary in 1945, Susan in 1952 and Steven in 1955. They lived happily until Glen’s death in 1964.
Della remarried on June 2, 1972 to Richard “Dick” Rafferty. The couple raised llamas, enjoyed fishing, doing arts and crafts together until Dick’s death in 2002.
Della’s outlook on life was “a rolling stone gather no moss” and she lived by that as she took residency in Ontario, OR, Fruitvale, ID and New Plymouth, ID, before coming back to Nampa, ID where she lived with her loving companion J.C. Moore, who took care of her in her declining health.
During her life time she went to TVCC where she got her private Pilot’s License and took computer classes. She also worked as a bookkeeper, helped others do their taxes, drove school bus, cook for the hospital cafeteria, cleaned houses, raised llamas and goats, was a realtor, worked at OLCC and was homemaker.
She is survived by her companion J.C. Moore, daughter Susan (Harold) Schmierer; son, Steven Rogers; grandchildren, Jill (John) Wallin; Robert (Maureen) Rogers: Sean Rogers;
Amy (Steven) Earls; Debbie Ryan; Brent (Colleen) Lamb: Esther Rogers; Glen (Amelia) Rogers; Renee Rogers; Benjamin Rogers; 10 Grandchildren, one Great-great grandchild, daughter-in-law, Lela Breidenbach Rogers and her best friend Mickie Whyman.
She was preceded in death by her parents Mac and Grace McCarty, Sister Carol Milliron, first husband Glen Rogers, second husband Dick Raffety, son Gary Rogers, and her dog “Lady” whom she loved very much.
The family would like to make a special thanks to those who helped care for Della in her final years, the staff of Treasure valley Hospice, and her amazing care giver Cassandra Monroe (A Tender Heart Homecare).
In lieu of flowers donations’ may be made to Wounded Warriors P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 OR to West Valley Humane Society 5801 Graye Lane Caldwell, ID 83607.
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