Olive Rogers

Olive "Jean" Rogers, 83, of Topeka, passed away at her home, surrounded by family on Saturday, January 23, 2016. Jean was born Olive Jean Otto to Mary Jean Stone and Herbert Warren Otto, Jr. on November 27th 1932 in Topeka, KS. Jean's father passed away when Jean was only 18 months old. Jean's mother remarried Charles Benjamin Vining who adopted Jean as his own. The Vining clan grew and Jean became the oldest of four children that included Charles, Tom and Beth.

Jean and the Vining family lived in Topeka where she attended Highland Park schools. She was a graduate of the class of 1950 and always a proud "Scottie." Following high school, Jean attended Washburn University for three years, majoring in liberal arts.

In 1954, Jean married Arthur Burns McIntosh, then an airman at Forbes Field. After he left the military, they moved to Cahokia, Illinois and both worked for the McDonnell Aircraft Co.; she as a data analyst, he as an aircraft mechanic. In 1960, Jean and Arthur welcomed their daughter, Sandra Ann McIntosh.

When Jean and Arthur divorced in 1972, Jean returned home to Topeka where she rediscovered her secretarial talents. Jean was a Certified Professional Secretary and also a Notary Public. Over the years, she worked for a number of Topeka businesses, including the law firm of Colmery and Smith, the Chiropractic Office of Dr. Sullivant, and the Menninger Foundation. After 15 years of service, Jean retired from the Menninger Foundation in 1995 where she worked as a secretary and office manager for the Employee Assistance Program and Woman's Programs.

Jean married Henry C. Rogers in 1975 and became a step-mother to three boys: John, David and Robert Rogers.

Topeka was always home for Jean and while she may have traveled and lived other places, she always looked forward to coming back to the hometown she loved. The gardens at Lake Shawnee and Gage Park were her favorite places. In retirement, Jean enjoyed volunteer work for the Kansas International Museum as well as the Great Overland Station. She was active with the Highland Park High School Class of 1950, who continue to meet monthly. Recently, she enjoyed meeting the "senior gang" on Tuesdays for Burger King Bingo.

Jean is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sandra McIntosh and David Plaster of Albuquerque, NM; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Jody Vining of Plano, TX; sister, Beth Fletcher of Delta, CO; step-sons, John and Robert Rogers; aunt, Vivian Tippit; six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Jean and Charles Benjamin Vining; husband, Henry Rogers; step-son, David Rogers; brother, Tom Vining and dearest cousin, Mary Tidwell.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Dove Cremation & Funeral Service, 4020 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66606. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., prior to the service. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions are made to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle Topeka, KS 66606.