
Rebecca Roger - 82
June 18, 2022
Staunton, VA
Rebecca "Becky" Jane Keyes Roger, 82, passed away peacefully at her home in Staunton, VA on Saturday, June 18, 2022. She was born in New Milford, CT, the only child of James and Margaret (Flynn) Keyes. Her ancestry traces to the Duncan Clan of Scotland (c. 500 A. D. ), thence Northern Ireland where her ancestral lineage immigrated to the US beginning in 1856, and eventually settling in New Milford CT. Becky was raised in Sherman CT. She received an AA degree from Green Mountain College in Poultney, VT in 1960 and began working as a medical secretary in Hartford, CT. In 1961 she married Robert Roger of New Milford, and subsequently lived in Houghton, MI and West Lafayette, IN as Bob continued his education. They then settled in Alexandria, VA until they both retired and moved to Staunton, VA in 1998. Together they raised two children, Deborah Roger of Staunton, VA and Christopher Roger of Phoenix, AZ. They have four grandchildren, Jared Austin, Taylor Jensen (Hunter Jensen), Carolyn "Wren" Roger and Benjamin Roger In addition to raising and caring for her family and home, she was a long-time volunteer and leader for the Mount Vernon, VA Meals-on-Wheels program as well as a loyal volunteer for the vision impaired in both Alexandria and Staunton. Another job she enjoyed was as a part-time contractor for the CIA, working with a team to evaluate officers-in-training before they were assigned overseas. Becky was employed as a merchandiser for the American Greeting Card Company before moving to Staunton. In Staunton, she was a long-time volunteer for Gypsy Express, Inc. (operator of the miniature train in Gypsy Hill Park). Her passions included growing and arranging flowers, which she also did as a volunteer for various nursing homes. She enjoyed reading, traveling and antiquing and had many collections (frogs, rabbits, mushrooms, cruets, plates, pickle forks, hatpins, creamers). Her centerpiece was her assembly and study of tea implements, especially one-cup tea pots. She leaves her husband of 61 years, a loving family, her constant canine companion Kermit, and friends after her rapid and unexpected struggle with cancer. She wished any donations be made to the Valley Mission of Staunton. The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Shenandoah for their dedicated support. There will be no local service. Interment will be in Sherman, CT.