Mary Ellen Rodgers

Mary Ellen Rodgers spent her 89 years personifying the term “grace.” Her approach to every victory, every obstacle and every challenge inspired and continues to inspire those who shared her life. Her example challenges us to be better people, better servants and better examples of how Our Lord wants his children to navigate life’s path.

She was born to Dr. and Mrs. John W. Kain on December 27, 1930. Throughout her life, Mary Ellen bore the weight of many crosses. Her faith never faltered despite losing her birth mother when she was just nine-months old, two beloved husbands, a son, a granddaughter and a host of close relatives and friends.

Throughout her life, many have referred to Mary Ellen as their “Best Friend.” And although she certainly made everyone feel that way, one person can claim that title more than any other: her sister, Pat Eskew. Mary Ellen and Pat not only shared parents, they shared laughs and lessons from the many life moments that come with raising families. Mary Ellen valued her relationship with her brother Jack Kain and her cousin Father Gerald Mesmer, who helped raise Mary Ellen in her early years and served as a travel companion in her later years.

Above all, Mary Ellen was a committed wife and matriarch. With her husband Robert H. Tholen, whom she married on December 30, 1950, she brought five children into the world: Terri, Tim, Tina, Ted and Tom. Upon leaving Kansas and setting down roots in Colorado, Mary Ellen stood strong as Bob battled cancer for nearly a decade before leaving this world in May of 1978. Years later, she re-discovered and wed a high school sweetheart, Bill Rodgers, and enjoyed several years traveling, visiting and taking in everything Colorado had to offer. With Bill’s passing, her focus narrowed to her 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Her role as Mammaw, Meemaw and Great Grammaw Mammaw was one she cherished. She was proud of the accomplishments of each person on the family tree and provided immeasurable guidance and love at every step.

Mary Ellen joins Bob and Bill, son Ted and granddaughter Katie in heaven and leaves four children, Terri, Tim (Dana), Tina (Tom VanderStel)), and Tom (Chris); grandchildren Bobby Hegeman (Lisa Kelly), Beth Lefebvre (Brett), Hilary Tholen, Courtney Donnelly (Patrick), Chelsea Tholen, Kevin Dragseth (late Katie Dragseth), Kevin Kerswill (Caroline), Emily VanderStel, Nick VanderStel, Morgan Dannewitz (Ryan), Jamie Tholen, Tommy Tholen and Teddy Tholen; Great-Grandchildren Noah Hegeman, Miah Kelly, Chloe Kelly, Connor Lefebvre, Shane Donnelly, Mara Donnelly, Jameson Donnelly, Addison Dragseth, Andrew Dragseth, Isaac Dragseth, Quinn Kerswill and Laine Kerswill. Mary Ellen also leaves behind a legion of neighbors and friends who filled her life with love, laughs and companionship.

The sun rose a little brighter on the morning of Monday, September 28th as heaven welcomed Mary Ellen as the Guest of Honor at her “Welcome Home Party.” The sunset that evening was spectacular, another gift from a woman whose life was all about giving. She taught us many things throughout the years, most importantly to love a little more, hug a little tighter, forgive a little faster and help a child smile a littler wider. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests a donation in her name to The American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.