Genie Banks Rogers

Mom pictured with her older brother
Hartley. Being 13 years older
he tormented my Mom by
taking her dolls and other
antics. As a young man, many
thought he looked like Elvis.

As a Toddler on the Steps of the Family Home

Deep down, Mom will always be a cat person though the dogs in her life have lacked for nothing, especially affection. She is a friend and advocate to each animal she encounters: I'm confident the geese, woodchucks, deer, raccoons, squirrels, and others flock to her place for good reason. 

Mom with Her first Cat (above) and Her Pony

A True 40-Year Love Story: Until Death Do Us Part

President Reagan Visits Columbia

My Dad won Mom's heartstrings when he invited her to see Barry Goldwater for a first date. Other romantic outings included drinks at the Heidelberg, Mizzou football games, and family time. Proof positive, these passions continued through the decades. President Reagan's visit to Columbia in the late 1980s thrilled--look at my mother in this picture. That's anticipation! Loyal Mizzou football fans, they endured the good, the bad, and the ugly from the mid-1960s through 2005.

Fall 2004, Night Game at Faurot Field

Below are the final lines of a manuscript prepared by my siblings in honor of my parent's 40th wedding anniversary, the last they would celebrate together. These words, as appropriate and meaningful today, I share with love and respect.

"Mom and Dad have often said that one of their greatest accomplishments was raising five kids who are each other’s best friends. Mom and Dad can also take pride that all of their children consider Mom and Dad their best friends too. We congratulate you on your 40 years of marriage. You have taught us each what love and family are all about. We thank you for each other, us, and many wonderful memories and experiences."

We love you very much,
Mary, Ann, Hartley, John, and Jim

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2011