Obituary of Karla Surrae Rogers

Karla Surrae Rogers (MacInness), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024, in Bay City, MI, following a latent battle with stage 4 uterine cancer. Karla graced the world with her presence on September 23, 1954, born in Lansing, MI, to the late Gleason and Surrae MacInness. She grew up alongside her brother, the late James MacInness, and together they shared an idyllic childhood steeped in love and laughter. After she lost her maiden family, she was unofficially adopted by her husband’s parents Charles and Audrey Rogers. They were all waiting at heaven’s gate to greet her. 

Upon completing her education at Sexton High School Lansing MI, she embarked on a long and fulfilling career at AT&T, where she worked until her retirement. Karla's dedication to her work was evident in her many years of service and the lasting relationships she built with her colleagues and associates. It was also the place where she met her beloved husband.

An avid collector over the decades, Karla's passion for Hallmark ornaments and keepsakes blossomed into a lifelong hobby. Her enthusiasm led her to join the Hallmark club in the early 1980s, where she forged many friendships through travel to numerous national conventions and active participation in club meetings and events. As her collecting interests grew, Karla's pursuits included beanie babies and eventually Boyds and Steiff Bears. Each item in her collection held a special place in her heart, a tangible reflection of her life's joys and milestones.

Karla's love of thrifting, estate, and garage sales was renowned among her family and friends. Her dedication to the "hunt" for a "Great Find" was legend, as she skillfully navigated through sales with the precision of a treasure seeker. Karla's children fondly recall her insistence on uninterrupted focus during these expeditions—a testament to her playful yet earnest character.

Beyond her collection pursuits, Karla was also lovingly known as the "eBay Queen," a nod to her savvy entrepreneurial skills in selling collectibles online. This venture allowed her to connect with people worldwide, share stories, and make a profit from her beloved hobby, exemplifying her creative and friendly nature.

Those who knew Karla describe her as a loving soul with a creative mind and a friendly demeanor that could light up any room. Her warmth and generosity radiated in her everyday life—lifting the spirits of all who were fortunate to cross her path. She was known to strike up conversations with those around her, leaving her to know no stranger.

Karla Rogers leaves a legacy of love, creativity, and friendship that will be deeply felt by all those who mourn her passing but also celebrated in the cherished memories they hold dear. As we say goodbye to this remarkable woman, we take solace in knowing that her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us.

Karla is survived by the love of her life Rod Rogers. Together they created a beautiful family and life. The legacy of love she leaves behind to cherish her memory are Adam Holcomb, Shanaya and Pablo Solano. Her role as 'Nana' to her adored grandchildren, Aryanna Solano, Valentino Solano, and Jaydon Wilson, will be a love they will carry forever. Karla's family was the cornerstone of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. She was a loving sister to her in laws Cheryl (Amy) Rogers, Char (Scott) Mueller, Randy (Judy) Rogers, and Chuck (Mary) Rogers. She also spread her love to her brother’s wife Judy MacInness, her Uncle John Rogers, many cousins, and friends. She loved everyone and everyone loved her.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday January 25, 2025 at Grace Methodist Church 4267 2 Mile Road Bay City MI 48706. Family will greet friends at 1:00pm with church service to start at 2:00pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Karla Rogers memory to be donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, The V Foundation www.v.org, or the American Cancer Society.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.hyattewald.com Arrangements made with the Hyatt Ewald Funeral Home.