Linda Kaye Rogers

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Linda (Hamrick) Rogers, age 77, who left us peacefully on Friday, December 27, 2024. She was surrounded by love and the legacy she built through her kindness, strength, and unwavering dedication to helping others. She passed away peacefully at Hospice House in Traverse City, Michigan after suffering from complications with lung cancer. Born on May 9, 1947, in Springfield, Illinois, Linda lived a life defined by compassion, devotion, and a deep love for her family and nature. She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Edith (Maxine) Hamrick. Linda was raised in Springfield, Illinois and Traverse City, Michigan. Linda’s nurturing spirit guided her career as a NICU nurse, where she cared for the most fragile lives. Linda met her loving husband of 52 years, James Rogers, while he was training as a physician intern at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan and she was working as a nurse. They were married July 1, 1972, in Big Rapids, Michigan. After having children, Linda chose to focus her energy on raising her four kids, a role she cherished deeply. Linda was a beacon of hope and compassion to everyone who knew her. As a longtime member and mentor within Alcoholics Anonymous, she selflessly shared her journey, offering guidance and inspiration to countless individuals on their path to recovery. Her empathy and wisdom created lasting bonds and helped transform lives, one day at a time. An avid gardener, Linda found immense joy tending to her beloved roses, peonies, and lilies, creating a front yard that was the envy of her neighborhood(s). Her gardens reflected the vibrancy and care she brought to all aspects of her life. She was a master seamstress, could knit anything, and was a wonderful cook. She cherished the care and support of her neighbors and her knitting and prayer groups. Linda is survived by her older sister, Barbara Tompkins of Traverse City, Michigan, and her younger brother, Ken Hamrick, of Anchorage, Alaska, her devoted husband James Rogers; her four children, Kate Mihalevich (Michael), Taylor Drefcinski (Todd), Harry Rogers (Kyrenda), and Dana Wagner (Kameron); her four grandsons, Gabriel Mihalevich (14), Bennett Mihalevich (9), Elliot Drefcinski (10), and Oliver Drefcinski (3), step granddaughter Kaley Wagner (23), great-granddaughter Wrenlee Tremper (7 months), her naughty labradoodle, Henry, as well as five grand dogs: Tabby, Douglas, Archie, Kojak, and Panzer. At Linda’s request, a private funeral service will be held for her immediate family, with a celebration of life planned for mid-May in Traverse City (date, time and location TBD) to honor her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Hospice House of Traverse City (use this link: https://shorturl.at/qlDRP), whose compassionate care supported Linda and her family during her final days. Linda’s legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Linda Kaye Rogers

May 9, 1947 - December 27, 2024