Mildred Grace Rogge-Boyd
July 20, 1927 - August 20, 2016
Obituary
Mildred Grace Peterson Rogge-Boyd
July 20, 1927-Aug. 20, 2016
Grace was born in her Grandma Bagnall’s home in Chester, Utah on July 20, 1927, to Carl Dallas Peterson and Mildred Bagnall Peterson. She had an idyllic childhood bouncing between her home with her parents and younger sister Carol Ann, and her Grandma Bagnall’s farm being raised with her aunts Wanda, Fern, Twyla and Clara. After she graduated from High school, Grace trained as an Army cadet nurse in Salt Lake City. Her dad prophetically warned her, “If you go to Salt Lake, you’re going to get married and move 1000 miles away.” While riding a trolley in Kearns Utah, she was introduced by mutual friends to a handsome young man from Seattle serving in the Air Force, James K. Rogge. As she reflected later, “We immediately had eyes for each other.” When WWII ended, Grace finished nursing school and Jim moved back to Pullman to finish his education. After a long-distance engagement, they were married in the LDS Manti Utah Temple, Sept. 7, 1948, moved to Pullman, and then to Seattle when Jim graduated. Three children were born to this union: Ann Elise Rogge (Fugere) in 1951, Peter Bagnall Rogge in 1953, Sue Eva Rogge (Stock) in 1959.
Besides raising her children, Grace had a long, satisfying career as a registered Nurse working at Standring(renamed Shorewood), and Highline. She retired to take care of Jim after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Grace was a lifelong member of LDS church, and served frequently as an organist. She also enjoyed monthly activities with the seniors at Bill’s Methodist church for many years.
When Jim died in 1996, Grace started line-dancing with the Burien Senior Citizen’s Center. While there, she started dating Bill Boyd, whom she had previously met in Alzheimer’s support group.( His wife, afflicted with Alzheimers, died a few months before Jim.) After dating for 3 years, Grace said they “didn’t want to die engaged,” They were married at Ann Fugere’s home Jan. 9, 2002 and were married until Bill’s death , Feb. 22, 2011. Grace later said, “I didn’t get remarried for companionship, or for financial reasons. I got married because I fell in love again.”
Grace adored her grandchildren and loved to take them to Normandy park beach to feed the ducks. She also taught the grandkids how to pick raspberries and weed in her garden. Her grandchildren also received practical gifts such as small shovels or “garden claws.” She took pride in her sprawling, wild yard and garden and considered the northwest, “God’s country.” Besides “rain or shine” tent -camping with Jim in the northwest for many years, Grace had also traveled all over the world to Russia, China, Italy, Spain, Norway, England, Scotland, Wales, Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland. She especially loved camping at Ruckle’s beach on Salt Spring Island. Grace was also proud of driving the Alcan highway.
Grace had a great sense of humor and was a prankster. Book club was a favorite monthly activity. She also loved to watch the Sonics, the Seahawks, the Mariners, the Olympics, and Husky and Cougar Football.
Grace was predeceased by her parents, husbands Jim and Bill, and granddaughter-in-law, Kimberly Fugere. She is survived by her sister, Carol Ann Cook of Provo, UT, sisters-in-law, Edna Metzger, Lacey, Jeanette Rogge, Seattle, and Jane Rogge, Sumner. Daughter Ann (Bruce) Fugere, Normandy Park, son, Peter Rogge, Burien, and daughter Sue (Ted) Stock, of Federal Way. Seven grandchildren Kathleen(Brandon)Larson, Seattle, Ross Fugere, Renton, Willie(Ann)Fugere, Bremerton, Rex Fugere, Seattle, Tom(Marel) Stock, Anchorage,AK, Hilary(Chris)Verhaaren, Davis, CA, and Evan(Mckenzie) Stock , Omaha, NE. 14 great-grandchildren, Estella and Adria Larson, Emeline,Dallin,Bella and Ali Fugere, Celia, Sabrina, Caleb, Emery and Benji Stock, Jack, Juliet and Tabitha Verhaaren. Also by two stepsons, Bob and Dwight Boyd.
We will miss her smile, wit , laugh and her sincere interest in all of our lives.
Services will be held on Saturday, Aug.27,2016 at the LDS Church 200 S. 177th Pl.
Viewing at 10:00 a.m., Service at 11:00 a.m.
Donations in her name may be made to the LDS Humanitarian Fund or to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund
Aunt Grace was a wonderful Lady full of laughter. I’m grateful to have shared some amazing adventures with her and Uncle Jimmy. Because of them I have some of my best memories. Thank you for sharing your parents with me. You will all be in my heart.
I love Grace! She was a very kind person and very supportive of her children and grandchildren. She made me feel important. I will miss seeing her. Grace, I didn’t know you played the organ! ‘Til we meet again!