Elia Angelica Perez Rodgers

Elia Angelica Perez Rodgers, beloved wife, Mama, and Uelita, passed away peacefully at the age of 69 on October 24, 2018, at Mary Greeley Medical Center. Elia was born on April 14, 1949, to Manuel G. and Elia O. Perez in Edinburg, TX. Her family later moved to McAllen, TX, where she graduated from McAllen High in 1967. She continued her education at Texas A&I - Kingsville where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology and met her future husband, a sailor stationed at NAS Kingsville. On August 5, 1972, she married Charles Z Rodgers. The Navy moved the young couple to several duty stations across the nation over the next ten years. After retirement from the Navy, the family settled in Ogden, IA. Elia worked as a CNA at the Ogden Manor for many years before completing her professional career as an associate at Howe Elementary.

Elia was a sweet, compassionate woman who welcomed everyone into her family. She will be forever remembered for the joy she brought into the room, her willingness to share what was on her mind, her undying love of Texas – as reflected in her cooking and preference for warm weather, her readiness to accompany a friend to the casino, and her stories from the past that leave us with a wealth of wisdom for future generations. The grandkids will remember her best for her never-ending kisses, coin purse full of quarters for restaurant candy machines, and strawberry pretzel salad.

Elia was preceded in death by her parents Manuel G. and Elia O. Perez. She leaves behind her ornery bunch: her husband of 46 years, Charles Z of Ogden, two sons Charles M. (Lisa) of Nevada, IA, and Eric T. (Lindsey) of Underwood, IA, and five grandchildren: Manuel (11), Parker (9), Eliana (7), Greta (6), and Evan (4).

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ogden. Father James Bruch will officiate. Burial will follow at Pilot Mound Cemetery (even though “the ground in Iowa is too damn cold”). A Visitation will be held at the church on Monday, October 29, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Mary Greely Medical Center Foundation to celebrate the quality of care she received from the 5th floor oncology staff, or to the Ogden Community Scholarship Foundation in honor of all the children she helped along the way. For online obituaries & condolences, visit: www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com