Keo Marlene (Brighton) Rogers

February 6, 1955 – September 28, 2020

Keo Marlene (Brighton) Rogers unexpectedly passed on Sept. 28, 2020, at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, after bravely battling Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a neurological disorder. She was 65 years old.

Keo was born on Feb. 6, 1955, in Moscow, Idaho. She graduated from Montesano High School in Montesano, Washington, in 1973 and went on to attend and earn numerous higher education college degrees: Grays Harbor Community College, Associate of Arts, 1975; Eastern Washington University, Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice, 1977; Central Washington University, Bachelor of Arts in education, 1996; and Heritage College, Master's Degree Professional Development in Special Education, 2001.

Keo married Don Rogers on Oct. 8, 1983, in Spokane, Washington. It was a twist of fate how Keo would meet her future husband. Living in the same apartment building in Spokane, Washington, Don went to the girls’ apartment below him to ask someone else out for a date, but Keo answered the door instead when he knocked. From that moment on, they would spend the next 38 years together, raising their children and exploring all the options this world had to offer, be it through traveling together or through their children’s events, which they were both heavily and lovingly involved in.

They welcomed sons Allex Rogers in 1984 and Nate Rogers in 1986.

Keo was a resource room and preschool special education teacher for the Royal School District for 23 years, teaching scores of future generations what they needed to succeed.

She was a passionate defender of others. During union negotiations, her colleagues of Royal City School District affectionately gave her the title of “The Hammer” as she was the one to fight and make breakthroughs for what she believed was right for not only her, but everyone involved.

She also worked for the Internal Revenue Service’s legal department in Washington D.C., for the Bureau of Land Management in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and as a federal investigator for the Office of Personnel Management in Spokane, Washington. But her love and passion were for her children and coworkers at Red Rock Elementary in Royal City, Washington.

Keo was a voracious reader and could always be seen reading or listening to books on tape. On top of her reading, she was an avid gardener, always beautifying their Ephrata home with a huge assortment of plants which she could easily identify without any reference guides. Also a fan of the arts, Keo was a season ticket holder for 20-plus years at the First Interstate Center for the Arts in Spokane, Washington, and a recent supporter of Masquers Theater in Soap Lake, Washington, rarely missing a performance.

She was a seamstress who expertly made several Halloween costumes for her children, which were the envy of all the other children.

She was an interior decorator who followed all the holidays and always knew how to make people feel like they were living the holiday in person when entering the home.

But more importantly, she was the best mother and wife anyone could ask for.

With her love, intelligence and world smarts, she could easily assist anyone with advice.

With her love, always supporting her children with their endeavors and providing light and love flawlessly.

With her love, she ensured her family would always be together.

With her love, she enjoyed attending First Baptist Church in Soap Lake, Washington, and learned to love the Lord Jesus and believed in her salvation.

She loved everyone unconditionally.

Her presence will be very obviously missed by all those she touched.

Keo is survived by her husband of 37 years Don Rogers of Ephrata, Washington; her children Allex Rogers of Ephrata, Washington and Nate Rogers (Ines) of Denver, Colorado; siblings Mary (Brighton) Bowen of Olympia, Washington, Patrick Brighton of Chelan Falls, Washington, John Brighton of Olympia, Washington and Katie (Brighton) Noble of Wenatchee, Washington and many cousins, nephews, niece, and grand-niece.

She was preceded in death by her parents Tom and Dale Brighton of Wenatchee, Washington.

A memorial service for Keo will be temporarily delayed due to coronavirus. She would hate to know people got sick on her account; she was that kind of person.

For those who wish to attend a future service please send all correspondence to Don Rogers at 61 D St. SE, Ephrata, WA 98823.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable contributions in memory of Keo Rogers be made to Brain Support Network, www.brainsupportnetwork.org, P.O. Box 7264, Menlo Park, CA 94026.

We love you and will forever miss you. Amen! Rest in peace, my love.