Bertha J. (Bennett) Rogers was born June 16, 1935 in Richmond, Indiana to Russell and Mary (Watkins) Bennett. She attended Richmond Senior High School and Earlham College before moving to Fort Wayne in 1966 to attend IPFW. She worked at Perfect Circle and later the Limberlost Girl Scout Council where she retired after 30 years of serving young girls in our community. She attended Zion Lutheran Church and received the Lamb Award. She was involved in the Fort Wayne Urban League, Rally to Read Committee, Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Urban Enterprise Association, Indiana Democratic African-American Caucus and was past-president of the Hanna-Creighton Neighborhood Association, to name a few. Bertha loved reading, music, crocheting, cooking shows, soap operas, new and different foods, collecting recipes and her grandchildren! She was most proud of having 5 children, 9 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. Five generations of the Rogers' Family! She is survived by daughters Signe Rogers and Ngozi Rogers, son Sean Rogers all of Fort Wayne. Granddaughters Jasmine Farrie and Linisha Rogers of Indiananapolis; Sierra (Corey) Taliaferro of Florida; Giovonna Rogers, Sedika Rogers and Patricia Rhines-Galvan all of Fort Wayne. Grandsons Thurman "T.C." Rogers and Damien Rogers both of Fort Wayne plus 29 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by sons Forrest "Fiti" Rogers and Thurman Richard "Ricky" Rogers, granddaughter Brandy McCall and brother Leon Bennett. . Service is 10:30 am, Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church, 2313 S. Hanna St, with calling one-hour prior. Calling also Friday, November 30, 2018 at Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton St. from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery. To sign the online guest book, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com

Do not stand at my grave and weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
-Mary Elizabeth Frye (1932)