Donna D. Rodgers

Donna D. Rodgers, age 90, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Topeka. She was born the daughter of Grover and Lela May (Kauer) Simmons on April 4, 1936, on the family farm near White Rock Township in Republic County, Kansas. Donna attended Courtland High School and graduated with the Class of 1954. Following high school, she continued her education at Brown Mackie College in Salina, Kansas, graduating in 1956. 

Donna married the love of her life, Thomas “Tom” L. Rodgers, Sr., on June 2, 1957. Together they began building a loving home and family, welcoming their daughter, Debra, followed by their son, Tom, Jr. While expecting their third child, Carla, Donna’s life changed forever when Tom, Sr., tragically passed away in 1964. 

With unwavering strength, resilience, and devotion, Donna raised her three children on her own. A hardworking and determined woman, she entered the workforce at just 16 years old and dedicated more than 55 years of her life to the grocery business. 

Above all else, Donna’s greatest joy in life was her family. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her children and worked tirelessly to provide them with love, support, and stability. She treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was immensely proud of the family she helped build. Donna loved family gatherings, holidays, dominoes and making memories with those she loved most. 

Survivors include her daughter, Debra Ngo (Kerry Herrington) of Stafford, TX; son, Tom (Barb) Rodgers of Ozawkie, KS; and daughter, Carla (Samuel) Deblaw of Houston, TX. Other survivors include nine grandchildren, Lisa (Roger) Maul of Spring, TX, Janice (Chris) Comberrel of Hahnville, LA, Jenn (Bryan) Lewis of Richmond, TX, Nick (Rachel) Ngo of Richmond, TX, Justin (Ashley) Rodgers of Topeka, Magen (Micah) Hawkinson of Topeka, Nikki (Zack) Monk of Topeka, Samantha (Jacob) Hudson of Magnolia,TX, Samuel (Maddie) Deblaw of Shenandoah, TX; as well as three bonus grandchildren, Amanda (Brent) Muzny of Spring, TX, James (Gianna) Herrington of Richmond, TX, Kyle (Ashley) Herrington of Houston, TX; and 27 beloved great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Tom L. Rodgers, Sr.; and infant son, Leonard Edward Rodgers.

Cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life and Gathering will be held by the family at a later date.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.