Celebrating the Beautiful Life of Lois E. (Calvin) Rogers

February 10, 1928 – July 2, 2026

On the quiet evening of Thursday, July 2, 2026, the world lost a little bit of its earthly grace, and heaven gained a masterpiece. Surrounded by the comforting walls of her own home, Lois E. (Calvin) Rogers, 98, of Columbiana, gently closed her eyes and stepped into eternity, leaving behind a legacy woven from nearly a century of quiet devotion, fierce independence, and unconditional love.

Lois began her story on February 10, 1928, in Greenford, Ohio, born to the late Oscar and Katherine (Crumbaker) Calvin. Growing up in an era that required resilience, Lois developed a beautifully unique soul. To the world, she was a wonderfully private and stoic woman—a pillar of steady, unshakeable strength who never asked for the spotlight. Yet, to those blessed enough to truly know her, that quiet exterior shielded a sharp, brilliant sense of humor. Her quick wit and dry, perfectly-timed jokes were a treasure, capable of lighting up any room and bringing tears of laughter to those she loved.

Lois spent her early career lending her dedication to sales and office work at Sears and JC Penney. However, it was later in life that her rare character truly shone. Lois was asked to manage the Mennonite store, Ten Thousand Villages, in Columbiana. To many, this was a monumental achievement; as an "outsider" who did not share their heritage, she was granted a level of trust, care, and respect rarely bestowed. It was a testament to her flawless integrity and the universal warmth she extended to everyone she met. She poured her heart into the shop until her well-deserved retirement in 2005.

Her faith was her anchor. At the time of her passing, Lois held the beautiful honor of being the oldest living member of Locust Grove Baptist Church, having joined the congregation 88 years ago in 1938. Decades of Sundays, prayers, and hymns shaped her life, and her absence will be deeply felt in the pews she loved so dearly.

Above all else, Lois was the matriarch of a sprawling, beautiful family tree. She has now been joyfully reunited with her beloved husband, Richard Rogers, whom she married on December 19, 1959, and who preceded her in death on August 24, 1992. No doubt, she was also met at heaven's gates by her parents, her brother Robert Calvin, and her daughters, Sandra (along with her husband Roland) in 2013, and Diana Westerfield.

Her enduring love lives on in the hearts of those who survive her, including her children, Richard (Peggy) Rogers of Lincoln, Nebraska, Priscilla (Doug) Illig of Leetonia, Ohio, and Randal (Debra) Rogers of Greenford, Ohio. Her beautiful spirit and lasting legacy will also be carried forward by her 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to her long and blessed life.

Lois taught us how to love deeply without needing to shout it from the rooftops. She taught us that a quiet life could be a profoundly impactful one, and that a good laugh is a balm for the soul. She has finished her race, she kept the faith, and she is finally home.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Lois's extraordinary life on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 6-8 PM at the Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services in Salem. She will be laid to rest in the Locust Grove Baptist Church Cemetery at 11 am, with Pastor Bob Noble of the church officiating a graveside service on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.