Jessie Rodgers

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Monday, May 31, 2004
at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 87

Jessie L. Hempstead was born April 11, 1917 on the farm at Burbank, South Dakota, the daughter of George C. and Daisy M. (Dowlin) Hempstead. She grew up in that area until 1927 when the Missouri River washed away the farm. The family then moved to Murdo, South Dakota on George Hempstead’s claim west of Murdo. She lived there with her family, father, mother and brother Leonard, until she went to High School in Pierre. She graduated from Pierre High School in 1935. After graduation, she worked various jobs in that area.

Jessie was united in marriage to Gilbert A. "Gib" Rodgers on September 4, 1936 in Murdo, South Dakota. They lived in Okaton and various places as Gilbert worked on the Milwaukee Railroad. They lived twenty-five years in Belvidere, then moved to Mason City, Iowa for three years, before moving to Kadoka, where she has since resided.

Grateful for having shared her life are her seven children Richard D. Rodgers and his wife Karen of Lander, Wyoming, Carol Iwan and her husband Darrell of Deadwood, South Dakota, Darlene Schnee and her husband Clinton of Kadoka, Lana Sherburne and her husband Andrew of Ft. Collins, Colorado, John Rodgers and his wife Jo of Belvidere, Diana Coller and her husband Craig of Kadoka, and Gib G. Rodgers and his wife Stephanie of Wessington, South Dakota; twenty-six grandchildren; fifty great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; a daughter in-law Pat Rodgers of Lander, Wyoming; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Jessie was preceded in death by her husband Gilbert in October 29, 1992; a son Merrin Rodgers in 1988; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; her parents; and one brother Leonard Hempstead.

Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka, and one hour prior to the services at the church on Thursday.

Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.

Interment was in the Kadoka Cemetery.

A memorial is established to the Kadoka High School Rodeo Association or Rodeo Bible Camp.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, June 3, 2004 2:00 p.m.
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Gary McCubbin
MUSIC
Jean Weller – Pianist
Jill Eckert – Vocalist
USHERS
Dick Stolley – Dan Smiley – Ken Graupman
PALLBEARERS
Jessie’s Grandsons
Richard Rodgers – Jeff Rodgers – David Rodgers
Clinton Iwan – Ted Schnee – Mitch Sherburne
Nathaniel Schnee – Heath Schnee – Sauntee Coller
Jeremy Coller – John Rodgers
Jory Rodgers – Kaleb Rodgers
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Jessie’s Granddaughters and
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

Service Details

FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, June 3, 2004 2:00 p.m.
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

Guest Book

I am so sorry for your loss. I feel it, too, because Jessie was just like my own Mom, a piece of HOME! One time here in Gillette I saw Carol and her driving on Lakeway Ave. as I was headed home. I flagged them down to talk to them for a few minutes. I cried, because hugging your Mom was like hugging my Mom, and I was so homesick!! It felt so good to hug her. Our families go back a long way. We did so much together and had such good times. I remember how good the food was at your house in Belvidere, that small house so cramped with people and so fun to visit. I remember Johnny, Lana, and Diana coming out to our ranch and staying and us swimming in the creek. Remember the snakes in the water, too? I would never THINK of being in water with snakes now! Your Mom was a one-in-a-million Mom, and I am grateful that I knew her. May God be with you at this time. Beryl (Addison) Geer
   ~ Beryl (Addison) Geer PO Box 2018, Gillette, WY 82717-2018 (5/31/2004)
I am so sorry to hear of Jessie's death. I am grateful to have gotten to know her. She was a very special person. She always shared stories and photos of her family with me...she was proud of each and every one of you. Take care, you are in my prayers. Stacy Dole, SW Adult Services and Aging
   ~ Stacy Dole 11800 Eastridge Hill, Black Hawk, SD 57718 (5/31/2004)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
   ~ Jeff & Teresa Rodgers 13500 Sheridan Ave. (5/31/2004)
candgmax@union-tel.com
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Jessie and Gib and all you kids when I was young and lived in Belvidere.
   ~ Charlotte (Punky) Kusiek Maxon P.O. Box 97, Ft. Bridger, WY 82933 (5/31/2004)
Iowa
   ~ Jeanne Meyer Laurens (6/9/2020)