Ethel Rogers, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, left this world on Tuesday evening, March 3, 2026, at the Solace Center in Asheville. Born on August 3, 1940, in Haywood County, she has always been a vibrant presence, living a life full of love, stories, and industrious spirit.

For 30 years, Ethel dedicated her life to her work at Dayco, where she fostered lasting relationships with colleagues and contributed her skills until her retirement in 1995. A hardworking individual, she was never one to idle away her time; rather, she kept busy with various projects, both inside and outside her home, often taking on the task of fixing things herself. Whether it was repairing her roof or tending to her yard, Ethel approached her tasks with determination and a bright smile, never shying away from hard work.

She grew up in Fine's Creek, where she learned the values of resilience and community while working the family farm. Ethel possessed a unique ability to connect with others, as she never met a stranger and cherished the opportunity to share her thoughts and experiences. Her warmth and charisma drew people in, and she enjoyed engaging in conversations that often turned into treasured exchanges of stories.

Ethel was not only a good mother but a wonderful role model for her daughter, Denise. Her nurturing nature extended beyond parenthood to her role as a grandmother, where she found pure joy in her grandson, Taft. Ethel's love for her family ran deep, and she was a steadfast supporter of her husband, Bobby, who predeceased her in 2002. Her legacy will forever be carried on through the beautiful memories they shared together.

She was a member of Fines Creek Memorial Baptist Church, where she found community and strength. Ethel is cherished in the hearts of her living family members: her daughter, Denise Rogers Stamey (David) of Clyde; her brothers, Robert Ferguson (Sylvia), Lawrence Ferguson, Billy Ferguson (Shirley), and Wendell Ferguson (Linda); and her sister, Catherine Ferguson.

Ethel joins her loved ones in eternal rest, including her parents, Jim Ferguson and Alice Jones Ferguson; her husband, Bobby Rogers; her grandson, Taft Noland; her brothers, Earl and Gene Ferguson; and her sisters, Wanda Blackman and Eva Fyfe.

As we remember Ethel Rogers, we celebrate the life she lived—a life characterized by dedication, warmth, and profound love for her family and friends. Her spirit will forever remain in the stories she shared, the lessons she imparted, and the hearts of all who knew her. 

Visitation services will be held at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville on Monday, March 9, 2026, starting at 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM, followed by a graveside service at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park at 1:15 PM. Rev. Billy Ferguson will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Ethel Rogers to CarePartners Solace Center, whose care and compassion in Ethels final days was unmatched and greatly appreciated.

Ethel's journey may have ended, but her legacy and the love she spread will continue to thrive in the memories of those she touched.

The care of Mrs. Rogers has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.