Donna Rodgers

(From Parker Mortuary)

Donna Marie Rodgers, age 71, Joplin, passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at her home with family at her side after a short battle with cancer.

Donna was born June 25, 1953 in Los Angeles, CA, daughter of the late James Kenneth Rodgers and Ruth Annette (Bryan) Rodgers. She moved to Springfield, MO as a child and graduated from Kickapoo High School before receiving her bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University. 

She worked for 25 years for the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners as a nurse. She was a faithful member of Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield, MO. She later attended the convent in Ava, MO where she was professed as a secular canoness nun given the name Sister Mary Bride. She was a loving mother, sister, aunt and daughter who cared for her family very much. She also loved animals, especially horses. She will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her brother, Ed Rodgers.

Survivors include her son, James Deaver of Springfield, a daughter, Ruth Anne Fuller-Sponholtz also of Springfield; sister, Marletta Teel of Joplin; nieces, Melissa Braun and husband Bill, Tracy Fox and husband Geno all of Joplin; Kiersten White and husband Paul of Springfield; great-nephews, William, Kenneth, and Joseph Braun; great-nieces, Michalla Jackson and Kailyn White.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2024 at Christ Episcopal Church, 601 East Walnut Street, Springfield, MO 65803, with Father Joe Behan officiating.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Springfield Humane Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.