Lois "Carol" Rodgers

Lois "Carol" Rodgers, 84, formerly of Palestine, IL, passed away on March 20, 2023, at Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong. She was born on June 4, 1938, in Bond Township, Lawrence County, the daughter of Virgil T. & Mary Frances (Shumaker) Dunlap, both of whom preceded her in death. She married William Midgett on April 28, 1970, and he preceded her in death on November 17, 1982. She then married John Rodgers on June 7, 1990, and he preceded her in death on November 25, 1998. She was also preceded in death by her former husband and father of her children, Clifford E. Inboden, Jr.

She is survived by her children & their spouses, Michael & Terri Inboden (Oblong, IL) and Carla & Troy Hart (Annapolis, IL); by her granddaughter, Shauna & Donald Venatta; by one great-grandchild, David Venatta; by her siblings, James Dunlap (Bradford, AR), Esther Inboden (Robinson, IL), Irene Weger (Robinson, IL), Larry L. & Lisa Dunlap (Palestine, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews.

Carol grew up on the family farm in rural Lawrence County, where she was embedded with both strength and a tenacious work ethic that would serve her well for the rest of her life. The oldest child of the home, Carol did her part to help raise her siblings, and after graduating from Lawrenceville High School, she moved in with her grandparents to assist them, providing them with a sense of dignity in the twilight years of their lives. Though she found work at Golden Rule insurance for a time, most of her career saw her as a winder at Crawford Electronics. After they closed their doors, her well-regarded skill allowed her to continue winding coils in Mount Carmel, IL, and for Gary Oxford until her failing health forced her into retirement. Even after Alzheimer's robbed her of the ability to recognize her loved ones, she was still able to describe (in detail) how to wind a coil.

Though she was a hard worker, Carol also knew how to enjoy herself. An avid traveler, her innate sense of wanderlust led her to Hawaii, and she also took part in bank trips to Mount Rushmore, Niagra Falls, and she even went white water rafting in Alaska! Back home, she could often be found fully immersed in a good book or knitting afghans for family and friends. They were also the beneficiaries of her delicious homemade noodles and infamous crescent rolls, each expertly made using exact measurements!

We will forever recount the years of Carol's life with thanksgiving, as it was filled with an abiding love for her family and an undying faith in her Lord. A longtime and active member of the Palestine First United Methodist Church, her relationship with God strengthened and empowered her as she walked through some of life's darkest valleys. Each one was met with grace and a trust that her Heavenly Father would see her through to the other side. We rest assured knowing that, in the greatest sense, that is exactly what happened on Monday, when she found herself in the loving arms of her Savior.

A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22nd, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home, with Beverly Hemrich officiating. Burial will be in the Tohill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Alzheimer's Association", with envelopes available at the funeral home.