August 12, 1938 – July 6, 2020
Barbara A. “Barb” Rodgers, 81, formerly of Sheridan, passed peacefully on July 6, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family. Her last days were filled by sharing stories and laughter while reflecting on the years.
Born August 12, 1938, in Lewisburg, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Bud and Ellie Ditmer. Barb was a 1956 graduate of Holland High School in Holland, Mich. Shortly after graduation she returned to Lewisburg to marry her longtime love, David L. Rodgers.
An only child, Barb dreamt of one day having a big family. Not long after their marriage, while stationed in Newfoundland during 1957, their beautiful family was started. After various moves between Michigan and Ohio, they eventually settled in Sheridan, planting their roots and embedding themselves into the community some 50 years ago. As their children became involved in various sports, Barb found herself serving on the Sheridan Park Board and as President of the Sheridan Recreation Board. Between her children and the grandchildren, life was full of basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and football fields.
During her professional career she and Dave founded and grew Rodgers Finishing Tools, Inc. She also worked in the satellite administrative offices for Ball State University in Westfield and also served as local chapter President of the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation. Barb always had a knack for writing, whether it be a column for The Sheridan News or the annual Rodgers Family Newsletter she would send around Christmas time. She never earned a dime from stand-up comedy, but boy could she put on a show.
To know her was to feel loved by her. Friends and family were her life, and she never met a stranger. Chances are she had you smiling and laughing at some point during her life. She enjoyed her role as grandma for many years, from basketball and volleyball courts, to baseball, softball, and football fields, and yes, even as a cheerleading coach. She was well-known throughout Sheridan and all of Hamilton County for her constant heckling of sports officials. Her time with her grandchildren was spent teaching them the art of making homemade doughnuts, playing cribbage and gin rummy, and hosting the best sleepovers anyone could ever imagine. She will forever live in our hearts as one-of-a-kind.
Barb is survived by her husband of 64 years, David L. Rodgers; her four children, Steven Rodgers, Melanie Rodgers, Chris Rodgers (Sheryl), and Douglas Rodgers (Tina); her nine grandchildren, Malissa Crawford (Brad), Michael Rodgers (Gina), Kelly Isley (Doug), Nick Rodgers (Whitney), Grant Rodgers, Andrew Rodgers (Emily), Alexander Rodgers, Taylor Rodgers and Meredith Rodgers; 12 great-grandchildren, and nephew, Jeff Shafer (Susan).
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A private memorial service will be held at Kercheval Funeral Home in Sheridan.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a public celebration of Barb’s life is being planned for a later date. Please visit KerchevalFuneralHome.com to leave condolences and share your best Barb story with the family.