Jo Rogers

Jo Alice "Jodie" Rogers
After a long and meaningful career as a Registered Nurse, Jo Alice "Jodie" Rogers (formerly Bright) passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2018 in Roswell, NM, at the age of 67, in the presence of her beloved dog, Cookie Joe and her cats.

Fiercely independent, unflinchingly brave, and remarkably strong, Jodie was known far and wide as a force to be reckoned with. At the same time, Jodie was also known by many, many patients and families as someone who embodied exceptional tenderness, vast patience, and tremendous kindness. Lodged deeply in the memories of all she encountered, Jodie Rogers was one of those unforgettable, you-only-meet- once-in-a-lifetime kind of people. Not one to mince words, Jodie is remembered by many for her direct, plain-spoken style of communication and rich sense of humor. Quick to laugh and brimming with folksy witticisms, Jodie's voice added a memorable richness to any conversation.

A modern-day renaissance woman, Jodie was as comfortable with a chain-saw as she was with a food processor. She could deftly rewire a lamp well as she could administer palliative care to a patient. Able to box-train any cat in a matter of days, Jodie could also back up a trailer with the precision of a professional trucker. An exceptionally quick study, Jodie's determination and independence were evident in all aspects of her life.

Jodie was born in Crystal City, Texas, to Lou Ella (Clarke) Bright and Chester Bright on July 6, 1950, as the second and final child in the family, joining her older brother, Grant Bright. From the time Jodie was a young child growing up in South Texas, her dedication to caregiving was obvious. She grew up with a clear love for animals and had a special affection for cats that only grew throughout her life. As anyone who has ever known Jodie can attest, Jodie created a welcome and loving home for any cat that might have been in need.

Jodie chose to make her passion for caregiving a career, and after graduating from Crystal City High School in the late 1960s, she began her studies towards becoming a Registered Nurse. Upon entering the nursing profession, she touched the lives of countless patients and their families through her sensitive, comprehensive, and highly professional engagement.

Jodie's professional practice as a nurse spanned four decades and was rooted in New Mexico and Texas, and much of her work was focused in ensuring senior citizens received the best and most loving care possible. As such, much of Jodie's work was in long term health care settings, with her final years of work being in providing Hospice care. Many, many patients and families have been touched by Jodie's skilled and loving presence during this very tender time.

Jodie shifted her focus from nursing for a few years in the early 1980s to work on her ranch outside Roswell, New Mexico, wherein her caregiving skills and love for animals were evident in multiple ways. She lovingly tended to her horses, sheep, goats, and cattle and simultaneously ensured all employees and guests at the ranch were equally well-fed and made to feel welcome and supported.

Those who knew Jodie well were aware that her favorite holiday was Christmas. Jodie reveled in decorating her home for the holidays, and invested great thought and care into the selection and wrapping of gifts for her loved ones. The world is a little different because of her presence.

Jodie is survived by her brother, Grant Bright, and his family, as well as and her dear friends Jonette Hill, Dawn Cheney, and their families. She was preceded in death by her father, Chester Bright and her mother, Lou Ella Clarke Bright.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Dexter, NM, at 201 5th St, Dexter, NM, 88230, officiated by Pastor Stephen C. Deutsch, with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jodie's life and contributions to this world. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at Ballard Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Barksdale Cemetery in Texas.

In recognition of Jodie's lifelong dedication to the humane and respectful treatment of animals, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jodie's name to the Roswell Animal Shelter at 703 East McGaffey Street in Roswell or through http://www.roswellhumane.org/.

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Service

Funeral Service

First Presbyterian Church of Hagerman
201 West 5th Street
Hagerman, NM  88232
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
11:00 am

Cemetery

Barksdale Cemetery
0000
Barksdale, TX  78828

Memorial Contributions

Roswell Animal Shelter
703 E. McGaffy St.
Roswell, NM  88201