Obituary of Nila Elaine Rogerson

Nila Elaine Rogerson, passed away peacefully at her home in Leesburg, Virginia, the afternoon of January 31, 2021, three weeks past her 98th birthday. Born January 9, 1923, she was the only child of John “Dutch” Voltz and Marie Stackhouse of Moundsville, West Virginia. Her early years were spent growing up in Moundsville where she attended school. A beautiful, green-eyed, auburn haired girl with dimples and a radiant smile, she was a tiny 5’2” fireball; a loyal friend and confidant to everyone she cared for. The caption under her senior photo in her high school’s yearbook read, “It’s quality that counts, not quantity”. Nila was 18 years old in 1941 when The United States entered WWII. Blessed with a beautiful voice and a talent for dancing, she and a friend did their part during the war by entertaining moviegoers, dancing on stage prior to Saturday afternoon newsreels and feature movies in their hometown. In July, 1946 Nila married her high school sweetheart John Rogerson, and shortly after the couple moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where John had secured a job working at Convair Aircraft in their flight test program. In February 1950 they welcomed their first child, Karen, followed five years later by their son John and then two years after by their second son, Gary. John and Nila were married for 71 years and remained devoted to each other until John’s passing in 2017. An ardent animal lover, Nila’s kindness to all creatures was legendary. The phrase “She wouldn’t hurt a fly” surely was coined with her in mind. Her love of dance continued throughout her life. At 94 years old she could still jitterbug and occasionally did, with the aid of her walker. She cherished and supported her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, taking on their problems as her own and rejoicing along with them in their accomplishments. All those who loved her dearly will never forget her affinity for murder mysteries, her honesty (she always told the truth, even if it might not be what you wanted to hear), her charm, wit, tenacity, and her undying love and caring for them all. Nila was preceded in death by her husband, John A. Rogerson. Survivors include: daughter, Karen Nantz; son, John A. Rogerson, Jr. (Amy); son, Gary Rogerson (Denise) Grandchildren: Jessica Beck (Travis); Wyatt A. Nantz; John Rogerson (Alex); Julia Rogerson Great-grandchildren: Summer King; Brynn Rogerson The family would like to give special thanks to Caregivers Maria Velasquez and Olimpia Guerra for the compassion and love they have shown to Nila and her family. Graveside Service: 9 a.m. Monday, February 22, 2021 at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Humane Society of the United States, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20037