On November 10, 2024 Bill Rogers went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our family was very blessed by the many family members and friends who came to see him in the months leading up to his death.

Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bonni Jo, his children Lori and Keith, his grandsons Cooper (Alex) and Cole, his great grandson, Cohen, and his sister Darla (Fran). He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Opal Rogers.

Bill was a man who loved and cared for his family deeply. August of 1964, Bill married Bonni Jo Ball and they formed a true partnership. Bill and BJ enjoyed many trips around the world… some of the trips could be described as "extreme" including hiking in the Himalayas, scuba diving in Honduras, climbing Huayna Picchu (the thrilling hike above Machu Picchu) and backpacking in Hawaii. They often stayed in rustic conditions and landed in some of the most dangerous airports in the world. He was a great dad and in addition to expected dad duties, he provided many incredible opportunities through travel experiences which are some of our best memories as a family. He raised his children to be people of integrity. He loved being a grandfather and was very involved in Cooper's and Cole's lives. Becoming a great grandfather was a real treat for him. Bill loved reading, being in the outdoors, horses, turkey hunting, and college football.

He will be missed by many and his impact on this community was profound. He was a lifelong resident of Silver City and served the community with integrity and excellence. Bill worked as a janitor at the Daily press, Lab and X-ray Department at Hillcrest General Hospital and Med Square, the Forest Service, and managed the city swimming pool.

He served on the Hidalgo Medical Services Board for more than twenty years and received a Lifetime Service Award from Hidalgo Medical Services in 2021. Most will remember his service in the schools which included:

1966 -1976 Science Teacher, La Plata Junior High and Silver High School
1976-1978 Assistant Principal, La Plata Junior High School
1978 -1989 Principal, La Plata Junior High School
1989 - 1990 Administrator, Central Office
1990-1997 Science Teacher, Cliff

Throughout his professional career he served in additional roles that included coaching golf, football, and basketball as well as refereeing games. He also drove a school bus route to and from school and served as the district asbestos designee for Silver Schools for approximately 30 years and completed his tenure in 2021.

Bill received numerous professional honors including being selected as the Outstanding Principal in New Mexico in 1985 and under his leadership, La Plata Junior High was selected as one of the top 10 schools in New Mexico.

Many times he stood alone professionally, while fighting for what was right. He was humble and there are no doubt many things about his life that you are unaware of that are truly significant.

We will share more at his celebration of life on December 7, 10:30 am at Terrazas Funeral Chapel. A lunch reception will follow at First Baptist Church in Silver City. In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation to Samaritan's Purse or St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trust care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.