1957-2026
Deborah June “Debbie” Rogers, 69, of Lyons, Kansas, passed away April 25, 2026, at her home. She was born March 31, 1957, in El Reno, Oklahoma, the daughter of Billy Joe and Dorothy Edna (Kempka) Watkins. Debbie has resided in Lyons for the past eight years, formerly of Rayville, Louisiana. She graduated from Rayville High School, with the class of 1975 and received her bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry from Louisiana College, in 1979. In 1981, she received her master’s degree in neuroscience from LSU School of Medicine, and her PhD in Biology Sciences from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2017. Debbie taught homeschool, high school, and retired from Sterling College, as a professor of neuroscience and human anatomy. She was also a licensed medical technologist. Debbie was a member of the Society of Neuroscience and Kansas Society of Science. She attended Kings Cross Church, Lyons. Debbie enjoyed reading, teaching, sewing, and gardening. On August 1, 1981, Debbie was united in marriage with Dr. Charles Gilbert Rogers, Jr. in Rayville, Louisiana. Debbie is survived by her husband, Dr. Charles G. Rogers, Jr. of Lyons, KS; six children, Dr. Charles Zimbrick-Rogers III and wife Rev. Emily of Philadelphia, PA, Jonathan Rogers and wife Hannah of Lyons, KS, Deborah Hurst of Edmond, OK, Steven Rogers and wife Ariana of Bentley, LA, Mary Rogers of Philadelphia, PA, and Jennifer Rogers of Rice County, KS; ten grandchildren, Louisa, Hannah, Rose, Sharon, Josefina, Douglas, Gwen, Eleanor, Remi, and Sam; and cousin, Billy Joe Watkins II and wife Jennifer of ME. Debbie is preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Donna Watkins and Brent Watkins. Memorials may be given to Sterling College for the Department of Natural Sciences in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.
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