Mary Ann Rogers

Mary Ann Dressel Rogers died peacefully on Feb. 7, 2023, after an extended battle with cancer and dementia. She was 85 years old and enjoyed a long life of teaching, traveling and loving her family and friends.

Mary Ann was born to Henry Dressel and Alma Trask Dressel on April 12, 1937, in Denver. Mary Ann lived in Colorado her whole life, residing in Denver, Littleton, Berthoud, Loveland, Fort Collins and Westminster -- but she was also a world traveler with her husband, Richard Rogers. The two married on June 12, 1966, in Denver, and they built a lovely life centered around their sons, grandchildren and each other. Mary Ann was an expert knitter and seamstress, an avid reader and card-player -- especially bridge, poker and various games with the kids. She loved the outdoors, especially skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and camping.

She and Dick traveled extensively in the United States and Canada in their recreational vehicles, but their travels went all around the world, traveling by air, sea and land on ocean and river cruises, organized land tours and independent travel. They went to Europe, Russia, Asia, India, Nepal, Singapore and Indonesia. They also visited most Central and South American countries with side trips to the rain forests of the Amazon River, Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca.

Mary Ann used her travels to learn as much as she could about the world because she loved to learn and was passionate about education. She graduated from Denver Public School’s West High School in 1955 before attending Colorado State College (now University of Northern Colorado), where she was elected to the sophomore honorary service club and belonged to Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority. In 1957, Mary Ann transferred to the University of Colorado and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Later, she attended University of Denver's Graduate School of Library Science.

An educator of 21 years, Mary Ann taught middle school English and geography, as well as a two-year stint as a homebound teacher for secondary school students in Berthoud. After retirement in 1994, she served as a volunteer tutor for the ESL program at a Fort Collins elementary school for eight years.

Mary Ann was a friendly and positive person. Her smile could light up a room and she never turned away from a lively and happy conversation. She was accepting and non-judgmental of her students all through her career. She led her life guided by loving principles and gave back to those less fortunate. She loved her two sons, husband, and grandchildren. Her chocolate chip cookies were always a staple in her house, as well as her grandchildren’s favorite meal: Homemade mac n’ cheese and applesauce.

She is survived by her husband Richard (married 57 years); sons David Rogers, Northglenn, Co., and Carl Rogers (wife Tina), Johnston, Iowa; Grandchildren Michaella Rogers, Denver, Anne Rogers O’Connor (Andrew), Kansas City, Mo., Noah Rogers, Des Moines, Iowa, Molly Rogers, Johnston, Iowa, and Theo Rogers, Northglenn, Co.; and several nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Mary Ann is predeceased by her parents, Henry and Alma Dressel, and her brother, Jack Dressel.