Peggy D Rodgers

Peggy Jean Dennis was born June 6, 1930, in Lakeland. FL. The youngest of three and the only girl, born to Beulah and Dolphus Dennis, Peggy and her two older brothers Fred and Dolphie grew up surrounded by family. The home they lived in during the 1930’s still stands. She told us of the many “firsts” she experienced there: an icebox, a telephone, a sewing machine and her favorite…her first pair of roller skates. A cherished family tradition was playing Monopoly on the front porch every Sunday afternoon after a home cooked meal at their grandparents’ home.

Peggy married her high school sweetheart, Bert Rodgers, and together they started what would become Florida’s largest real estate school. Raising her two children was the highlight of her life. In the 1970’s the family moved to Howey-in-the-Hills, FL. Peggy was an excellent cook (her chili and spaghetti sauce were legendary), accomplished seamstress, and leader of her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop for several years. She loved her home in Howey on Little Lake Harris and enjoyed watching the beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Several years after she and Bert divorced, Peggy realized her childhood dream of becoming a nurse in mid-life, graduating with a BSN and working for 15 years as an RN at Waterman Memorial in Eustis, FL. During this chapter in her life she met Fred Phillips and they spent the next thirty plus years together. Their adventures included scuba diving in the Keys, scalloping at Crystal River, and shrimping on the Indian River. They spent happy summers at Fred’s cabin in upstate New York, growing and canning fresh veggies. Peggy made friends wherever she went, always happy to lend a hand and share a smile.

Peggy’s final years were spent in Sarasota, FL. She enjoyed reading and her puzzle books as well as her daily glass of red wine. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her final years.

She is survived by her son Clay Rodgers of Howey, FL, and daughter Lori Rodgers of Sarasota, FL, grandchildren Amanda (Evan), Julia, and Jason, and great grandchildren Addison and Elizabeth. She also leaves behind many loving relatives and friends, both in Florida and New York.

Graveside Service will be held on Saturday December 29, 2018 at 2pm in the Rose lawn Cemetery, 501 E Lemon St. Lakeland Florida. Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with final care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to the Library Foundation for Sarasota County, P.O. Box 17903, Sarasota, FL 34276-0903.