Mary Joan Rogers, 79
Mary Joan Rogers, 79, a former resident of Columbia City, died Friday, January 1, 2010 in Midland, Michigan following a lengthy illness. 
She was born in Columbia City on November 16, 1930, a daughter of Keller and Mary Betzner Grant. Her formative years were spent in Columbia City and she completed her education in the local high school.
She was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church while a resident of Columbia City.
In 1961, she was united in marriage to James W. Rogers and they made their home in Columbia City until 1978 when they moved to Corral Springs, Florida and since 1999, they have made their home in Clare, Michigan.
The surviving relatives include her husband, James; a son, Douglas (Barbara) Cowen, Columbia City; two step sons, James Rogers, Clare, Michigan, Kenneth Rogers, San Diego, California; a step daughter-in-law, Barbara Rogers, Clare, Michigan; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Michael Grant and a step son, Dennis Rogers.
A memorial service will be held at 7 pm Friday, Jan. 8, 2010 in the Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with Rev. Gene Rohrer, officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the donor’s favorite charity.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.