Fern Josephine (Cooper) Rogers, the daughter of Harmon G. and Grace M. (Meyerkorth) Cooper, was born March 9, 1909 at her home south of Rock Port, Missouri., where she had lived for approximately 80 years. Fern attended West Bend Country School south of Rock Port. In her youth, she was employed by many families performing household and farming duties.

She spent most of her years fulfilling her duties as a farm wife and working on the farm. Fern was employed at Bratrud’s Dry Goods Store, and also catered many weddings and receptions with her sister, Hannah.

Fern was an excellent quilter and enjoyed her time spent with the Watson ladies, making many quilts by hand. She was also a wonderful cook.

Fern was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Rock Port, where she had been involved in the First Lutheran’s Women’s Circle. As a member of the Rock Port Chapter #440 Order of Eastern Star, Fern obtained the office of Worthy Matron. She also enjoyed her activities with the Peg-A-Way Club.

Several months ago, due to ill health, Fern became a resident of Pleasant View in Rock Port where she passed away April 12, 2007 at the age of 98.

Besides her parents, Fern was preceded in death by her husbands, Edgar Johnston and Harry Rogers; three sons-in-law, Harold Ray, Ellis Finken and Dick M. Van Gundy; one great-grandson, Colby Martin Van Gundy; two brothers, Harry J. Cooper and Clarence G. Cooper; five sisters, Rosie Rosenbohm, Hannah Bressler, Heibe May, Mildred Walker, Helen Pollock; one niece, Maxine Dalrymple; three nephews, Eugene Cooper, Kenneth Bressler, and Billie May.

Survivors include two daughters, Evelyn Finken, Missouri Valley, IA, Julian Van Gundy, Tarkio; five grandchildren, Teresa Van Gundy Anderson, Burleson, TX, Gordon Van Gundy, Tarkio, Gail Ray Nichols, Fremont, NE, Steve Ray, Minden, NE, Cheryl Ray Jones, Tarkio, fourteen great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; nieces, Dorothy Jean Bayless, Helen Richards, Shirley True, Jeanne Garst; nephews, Wilbur Lee Bressler and Kenneth Walker.

There is no scheduled visitation. Friends may call any time after 9:00 a.m. Sunday.
Services: Monday, April 16, 2007, 10:00 a.m., Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio, MO
Burial: Hunter Cemetery, Rock Port, MO.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Hunter Cemetery, Rock Port or Kendallwood Hospice, St. Joseph, MO