Ronald Gene Rodgers was born on November 2, 1942 in Royal to Wayne and Miriam (Maple) Rodgers. The family moved to a ranch south of Valentine on the Niobrara River in 1949. Ron proudly considered himself a “River Rat” and took great pride in Pine Canyon Ranch which operated in the family for almost 70 years.
Ron graduated from Valentine High School in 1961 and then attended Missouri Valley College. He was inducted into the Missouri Valley College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011 as part of their 1961 undefeated football team. He then attended West Texas A&M in Amarillo, TX.
On February 15, 1964, Ron married his high school sweetheart, Betty Lien. They raised three children, Jeffery Gene, Julie Ann, and Jason Ronald. The family moved to Kilgore in 1970 where Ron and Betty began their petroleum business which served the area for over 60 years. The family moved back to Valentine as the company grew and formed RODCO, INC., where Ron and his twin brother Don worked together. Ron was never without his RODCO cap, and was wearing it at the time of his death.
Throughout his life, Ron supported his children and grandchildren at as many of their sporting events as he could attend. He was also an avid sportsman, and his pride and joy was sharing his love for the outdoors with his grandkids.
Ron died at age 78 on August 6, 2021 at his home in Valentine with his wife and grandson by his side. He was preceded in death by his mother, Miriam; father, Wayne; twin brother, Don; and infant granddaughter, Miriam Margaret.
He is survived by Betty, his wife of 57 years; sons, Jeff (Rhonda) of Roca and Jason of Valentine; daughter Julie (Brent) of Valentine; grandchildren Jacob Rodgers of Omaha; Adia, Nicholas and Mia Sherbeyn of Valentine; Maddie Luebbe of Columbus; and Doc Haden Rodgers of Las Vegas; sisters Roseann (Bill) Davis of Great Falls, MT; Joyce Schneider of Lincoln; and brother Dave (Terry) of Minnesota.
A celebration of life was held on Saturday, August 14 at the Valentine United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Valentine Baseball Activities.
Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was in charge of service arrangements.
