Mrs. Marya Rodgers

Let us remember the life and ministry of Marya Rodgers, 83, of Kenoza Lake, NY, who died on Thursday, April 25, 2019. She was the wife of retired elder Rev. Kenneth Rodgers.

Marya was born to Elizabeth and Leonardo Boelhouwer on January 29, 1936 in Amsterdam, Holland. She graduated from a private Catholic school in Amsterdam. She immigrated to the United States in 1953, where she lived with her parents in Brooklyn, New York and worked at Long Island College Hospital as an x-ray technician.

Marya married Rev. Kenneth Rodgers in 1958, the same year Ken graduated from Yale Divinity School. Over the next 39 years they served together at Oceanside UMC and Central Valley UMC in New York, Torrington UMC in CT, and Pleasantville UMC in NY. They have had a home in Kenoza Lake, NY for 52 years, and have lived full time in the area since Ken’s retirement in 1997. In retirement, Ken and Marya served Community UMC in Kauneonga Lake and Mongaup Valley UMC, well as the Town of Bethel UMC.

Marya was a very kind and loving soul. When she became your friend, she treated you like family. She also loved to reach out to perfect strangers to try to get a smile or make them feel a part of her world. She loved the churches she and Ken served. Her roles included Sunday School teacher, office assistant, and generally serving as Ken's right hand person. She was known for her famous escarole soup and lasagna at potluck dinners, as well as for helping people in need. She loved music and the ballet, and supported the Shandelee Music Festival locally.

Marya is survived by her husband, Kenneth Rodgers, and her two children, Tom Rodgers of Northlake, TX, and John Rodgers of Torrington, CT. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Olivia Rodgers, and her brother, Leo Boelhouwer.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kenoza Lake UMC, 484 Old Taylor Rd, Kenoza Lake, NY 12750. Pastor Walter Haff will officiate. A reception will follow in the Kenoza Lake UMC Sunday School rooms. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in support of the 8 Creamery Road Swimming Program, 8 Creamery Rd, Callicoon, NY 12723.