Rita Mae Rogers, of Cassville, Mo., died June 15, 2025, in her home, surrounded by family and friends.

She was born April 21, 1951, in Cherokee, Okla., to Clarence and Jennie Kinnard, who preceded her in death.

Also preceding her in death were her brothers, C.L Kinnard and Gary Kinnard and her sister, Bonnie Kinnard.

Survivors include her husband, Merle Rogers, of Cassville; one daughter, Robin Edie, and her husband, Jimmie, of Fayetteville, Ark.; one son, Peter Rogers and his wife Kim, of Halltown, Mo.; one sister, Leota Nusser of Alva, Okla.; three grandchildren; her mother-in-law, Lucille Rogers of Tulsa, Okla., and beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins – as well as former students.

She attended college at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Okla., where she received a degree in Speech Pathology. She went on to earn her teaching certification from Drury University and then her Master’s in Elementary Education.

She worked for the Cassville School District as a Speech Pathologist, a 5th-grade teacher, and a preschool teacher. She also built two independent daycares from the ground up – Mrs. Rogers’ Neighborhood and God’s Little Kingdom. She was a Sunday School teacher, led Young Adult classes.

Services were held Thursday, June 19, 2025 at United Methodist Church in Cassville under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Pastor Jeff Fugitt conducted the services. Interment followed at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cassville, Mo.

Contributions may be made to United Methodist Church in memory of Rita.