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wife, mother, sister and friend, OliveAnn Rogers died peacefully the afternoon of May 23rd, 2016 at her Fargo home in Sheyenne Crossing Care Center, her loving husband by her side. She was 89.
OliveAnn Wanner, daughter of Donald and Ruth (McCully) Wanner, was born February 9th, 1927 in Jamestown ND and was fourth of five siblings. She attended elementary school in Pingree ND until 1938 when the family relocated to Jamestown.
OliveAnn was a self-proclaimed “Tom Boy” and was an avid horseback rider from an early age. By the time she entered Junior High School her tall and athletic stature had earned her the nickname “Stretch”, a name given by the 6th grade boys with whom she played football. Though a youthful nickname she wore it proudly for the rest of her life.
Stretch attended Jamestown College graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. It was there that she met and married the love of her life, Riley Henry Rogers III. June 20th, 2016 they would have celebrated 67 wonderful years of life together. The couple added two children to their family while in Jamestown, Riley Henry IV and Vicki Lynn. Educational pursuits led the growing family to Grand Forks, then Fargo where their 3rd child, Roxanne, was born and finally to their long time home in Valley City.
Stretch Rogers was an art enthusiast and determined to help cultivate the Arts in the area, in fact her name is synonymous with “2nd Crossing Galley” which she helped to establish in Valley City in 1973 and then served as its Director for nineteen years. She was co-founder of the Valley City Fine Arts Club originating in 1960 later becoming the V.C. Arts & Gallery Association and is currently recognized as the Bridges Arts Council which is active and promoting artists and artistic programs to this day.
Her contributions and encouragement for self-expression in artists of all ages and mediums have been recognized and appreciated statewide. She was curator of the ND Centennial Juried Exhibit which toured the state in 1986-87. She curated and toured “Double Exposure” and “Kiowa Indian Prints”, a rare 1929 print collection from VCSU, and worked with the ND Council on the Arts to tour the “Winter Wheat” show by artists over 55.
Stretch was civic minded. Over the years she donated her time and talents serving in several worthwhile organizations such as the Barnes County City/County Health Board, precinct inspector, United Way board, PTA President, Library Board, all of the chairs of the ND Pharmacy Auxiliary, and Girl Scout leader. She was also an active member of the Congregational United Church of Christ serving on several boards and committees while especially enjoying the time she spent singing and directing in the choir.
OliveAnn was an amazing cook and hostess, talented seamstress, skilled at any art or craft she would sample, an excellent organizer and had a natural green thumb. She is known for her large collection of Zebras which she had displayed publicly on occasion. She was a wonderful confidant, counselor and cheerleader and many times the rock of the family. She is deeply loved and will be missed and never forgotten.
OliveAnn is survived by her husband, Riley H. Rogers III, Fargo, ND; son, Riley H Rogers IV, Fargo, ND; daughter, Vicki Lynn (Gary) Sizemore, Bettendorf, IA; daughter, Roxanne (Harve) Rogers, Valley City, ND; sister, Margaret Vogel, Seattle, WA; brother, Donald (Joan) Wanner, Jr., Augusta, GA; grandchildren, Riley H. (Mary) Rogers V, Tracy (Sean) Ochester, Aaron (Katrinka) Sizemore, Kelly Sizemore, and Olivia Rogers; and great-grandchildren, Kelly Sizemore Kuhn and Amelia Fricker. OliveAnn is preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Fredrick Wanner; brother, Kennedy Wanner; and daughter-in-law, Chris Rogers.
A gathering of friends and family to celebrate the life of OliveAnn (Stretch) Rogers will take place at 11:00 am Friday, June 10th, 2016 at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 217 4th St. NW, Valley City, ND.
An online guest register is available at www.lerudschuldt.com.