Rodgers, Bettie

COHOES — Bettie Arvilla Rodgers (nee Merrill) passed peacefully in her sleep on November 18, 2020.

Bettie was born on March 7, 1928, in Bennington, Vt. to the late Mildred and Alvin Merrill. As a child Bettie spent a lot of time at the library and became an avid reader. She lived in Petersburg with her great-aunt and uncle following the divorce of her parents in 1940.

Following World War II she moved back to Bennington with her mother and graduated from Mount Anthony High School in 1946. She attended Franklin College in Indiana. Bettie then worked as a store detective at Montgomery Ward’s Department store in Menands and later as a secretary at the Knolls Atomic Lab.

In 1952 she married Arthur James Rodgers of Rotterdam and they briefly lived in Schenectady. Bettie and Art settled in Guilderland and had two children: Barbara and Arthur Jr.

Bettie worked outside the home in retail and later at the New York State Civil Service. Bettie and Art loved to travel and see new places. Bettie loved books and jigsaw and crossword puzzles. She also loved to knit. Bettie had a bright, upbeat personality. In her later years despite declining health she remained positive.

Bettie was predeceased by her husband, Arthur Sr.; and daughter, Barbara. Bettie is survived by her son Arthur Jr. and daughter-in-law, Beth Greenfield of Oakland, Calif.; and her grandchild Sylvie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA, 01104.

To leave a message or a condolence for Bettie’s family, please visit www. bondfuneralhome.com