Edna Fae Rogers, 91, passed away quietly on November 2, 2009. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merle; her infant son, William; her parents, Lee and Reba Swanay; and her brother, John Swanay.

Edna was born June 5, 1918, in Newport News, Virginia. Her family moved to California when she was about four. She graduated in 1935 from Lincoln High School, Los Angeles. She went on to obtain her teaching degree in Elementary Education from UCLA in 1939. She met Merle Rogers while he was visiting Los Angeles. Their two families were friends and her mother asked if she would be his tour guide around L.A.

Edna and Merle were married December 17, 1955, in San Bernardino, California, but moved to Pasco, Washington, to make their home. They had a son who lived for a very short time, but were then blessed with two daughters, Rebecca and Cindy.

Edna taught in California in Chula Vista, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino. She also taught on an American Army base in Germany for two years, along with her brother, John. However, most of her teaching was done in Pasco schools after marrying Merle.

Edna loved children. She retired in 1980 after 40 years of teaching. In 1989, she was inducted into the Teacher Hall of Fame for Pasco Association of Educators. Even after retirement, she continued to teach, as was demonstrated by teaching her grandchildren to read at very early ages.

Edna loved to travel and was able to take her daughters on many vacations including Hawaii, Europe, and a Caribbean cruise. She also traveled to many destinations while pursuing her love of genealogy. She played bridge and was a part of several bridge clubs. She adored all her many cats she had over her lifetime.

Edna is survived by her two daughters, Rebecca Roland LaBelle, and Cindy Paul Hemsworth. Along with her grandchildren, Michael Kairuz, Meagan and Travis LaBelle, and Justin and Sarah Hemsworth; she became step-grandmother to Becca LaBelle, Michelle Eliceo Rodriguez, Michelle Jeromy Jenkins, and Lance Hemsworth. She had six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, David Jean Swanay of Massachusetts, and their daughter Geanina; and niece Elizabeth Ben O'Neal of California, and their daughter Delaney.

Many special thanks to the staff at Tri-Cities Retirement for their help and care.

Edna will be painfully missed by her family and friends. A graveside service will be held at City View Cemetery in Pasco on Friday, November 6, 2009, at 1:00 PM. All family and friends are welcome to attend.