Mary Mildred Rogers, 87, of Muskogee, died Sunday, October 12, 2008 at Broadway Manor Nursing. She was born January 1, 1921 in Mayes County, Oklahoma to Everett and Goldie (Bly) Anderson. Mary graduated from Pryor High School in 1938 and attended Chillicothe Business College. Mary completed her studies there in just over a year. She also attended The University Of Tulsa where she studied accounting. Mrs. Rogers worked at the Oklahoma Ordinance Works during World War II. She then took a position with the Internal Revenue Service. This would prove to be a very fruitful career as she advanced rapidly with the I.R.S. Mary retired in 1973 after over 30 years of service with the I.R.S in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Muskogee. Upon her retirement she was given the Galleutin Award by the Treasury Department. This is the highest honor granted by the department. After her retirement, she served as business manager for Wilson Answering Service from 1979 until 1989.Mary was married three times: the first to James M. Kirkley of Claremore by whom she had one daughter, Betsy; her second marriage was to Roy C. Mullen in June, 1951 who was killed in an accident at Mid-Continent Oil and was buried three weeks to the day they were married. Her third marriage was to Eldridge (E. A.) Rogers in 1971 and they made their home in Muskogee. He preceded her in death in 1975. Mrs. Rogers was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church. She also belonged to the United Methodist Women, the Order of the Eastern Star, Business and Professional Women's Association, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, the Muskogee Quilt Guild, the Genealogy Society, Friends of the Library and the Red Hats.Mrs. Rogers enjoyed several hobbies, among them sewing, knitting and quilting. But most of all she enjoyed traveling. She was glad to say that she had been to all fifty states including Point Barrow, Alaska where Will Rogers died. Mary had been to all the provinces of Canada, all the countries bordering the Caribbean, Europe, Egypt and Israel.Mrs. Mary Rogers is survived by her daughter, Betsy Kirkley Edwards and husband James of Muskogee. Friends may wish to remember Mrs. Rogers by making a donation to the charity of their choice.There will be a visitation from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at Fosters' Ivory Chapel. A Praver Service will begin immediately following the visitation led by Rev. George Kimball. Graveside Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa with Rev. Rosemary McCombs Maxey officiating.Funeral service arrangements are under the direction of Foster-Petering Funeral Home.
