Katherine Lynn Rodgers

Katherine Lynn Rodgers died at home, February 14, 2009 surrounded by loving family and friends. She was born in Childress, Texas, January 14, 1934. Her family including brothers, Thomas and Jack moved to Lubbock in 1939 where she graduated from Lubbock High School in 1952.

She had a life of commitment and dedication setting high goals and exceeding them. A loyal Red Raider, Kay graduated in 1955 from Texas Tech University with a BA in Chemistry after completing a four year premed program in three years. She attended the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and was one of six woman in the graduating class in 1959 and was in the top 5% of the class. She completed her internship and residency in pediatrics at the Robert B. Green Hospital in San Antonio in 1962 and opened her private practice in July 1962.

Kay has served in numerous professional capacities, including Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, UTHSCSA, Director of Newborn and Premature Nursery, Santa Rosa Children's Hospital, Pediatrician for the Methodist Mission Home for 30 years, Organizer and Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery, Santa Rose Children's Hospital, and Senior Member of Child Care Associates.

She retired from private practice in 1996 to become Associate Medical Director of Santa Rosa Children's Hospital. She has served as President of the San Antonio Pediatric Society, Secretary-Treasurer of Bexar County Medical Society, and President of the Medical Staff of Santa Rosa Medical Center (first woman to elected to a Chief of Staff position in San Antonio) as well as countless others.

Awards of Distinction include selection as one of six Americans to speak on the 1976 NBC special, "The Glorious Fourth": Special Recognition in the Senate and Congressional Records for outstanding contributions to "An American on America" for the bicentennial celebrations; selected as one of "San Antonio's Twelve Top Business and Professional Women"; Distinguished Alumnus Award Texas Tech University 1982; and San Antonio Area Women of Distinction for Service in medicine.

Her life was guided by her faith and she devoted her time and talents to helping others and touched many lives with her profound witness to God's love and grace.

She was preceded in death by parents, Willie Wren and Clifton Rodgers; brother, Thomas Wren Rodgers; great nephew, Zachary Rodgers; and mentor Chemistry Professor, Margret Stewart.

She is survived by her brother, Jack Rodgers; nephews: Gary Rodgers and wife, Marilyn, Charlie Rodgers, Tommy Rodgers and wife, Elizabeth, Joseph Rodgers; nieces: Patricia Niblack and husband, Stephen, Tressie Rodgers, and Christiana Rodgers; dear friends, Grace Dilworth and Bridget Dube; mentor, Dr. Ruth Matsuro; and her Emmaus Reunion Group.

The family is profoundly grateful for the exceptional care provided for the past 43 months by oncologist Gia Dice, M.D. and the staff of the Cancer Care Center of South Texas.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Gary Rodgers, Charlie Rodgers, Tommy Rodgers, Joseph Rodgers, Michael Perrine, Michael Perrine, Jr., and Matthew Perrine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Magdalena House, P.O. Box 692041, San Antonio, TX 78269.