Sari Diane Rogers

Sari Diane Rogers, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, at the age of 87. She was surrounded by her loving family at Buckner Calder Woods in Beaumont, Texas.

Born on February 25, 1939, in New Summerfield, Texas, Diane was the daughter of Charles Ray Heath and Martha Fields Heath. She grew up in New Summerfield and graduated from New Summerfield High School in 1957. While playing basketball in high school, she excelled despite her relatively short height. During her Senior year, the Texas State Women’s basketball organization chose her to play for the South Texas team in the Texas All-Star Game – something that New Summerfield continues to honor by displaying her high school jacket at the school. She continued her education at Jacksonville College and then at Stephen F. Austin, where she earned her Master’s in Physical Education. For seven years, she taught physical education at several Beaumont middle schools.

Throughout her life, Diane was a source of unwavering love, strength, and guidance to her family and friends. She met her husband, Ruel Thomas Rogers in Beaumont at church; they married on August 7, 1965. Together, they built a life filled with love and cherished memories. They raised two children, Douglas Rogers and Denise Rogers (Jessen), who will forever be grateful for her love and support.

Diane had a passion for many hobbies and sports. She loved walking, playing tennis, and line dancing, which she did several times a week with her friends. In addition, she played the accordion and piano and enjoyed reading, baking desserts, and playing cards or board games. She was a loyal, kind friend who never forgot someone’s birthday and loved to celebrate their special day.

More than anything else, Diane cherished volunteering for many school and church events. She taught Sunday school and VBS for more than forty years to first and second graders. Diane was devoted to her children, grandchildren, and friends. She watched the grandchildren most summers and called it “Camp Mi Mi”. She was constantly making something, baking, or volunteering to help the many charities she supported. She volunteered at the Baptist Hospital gift shop for more than twenty years.

Survivors include her husband of more than sixty years, Ruel Rogers; children, Douglas Rogers and husband, Chris Brown; Denise Jessen and husband, Chris Jessen; grandchildren, Bexar Brown, fiancé, Teerra Thomas, Griffin Brown, Kyle Jessen, Grant Jessen, and Reid Jessen; and sister, Pat Tennison.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Martha Heath.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Diane’s memory to Westgate Memorial Baptist Church 6220 Westgate Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77706 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 6055 South Loop East, Houston, Texas 77087.

A gathering of Mrs. Roger’s family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2026, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Westgate Memorial Baptist Church, 6220 Westgate Drive, Beaumont. Her graveside service will follow at 4:00 p.m., at Still Waters Memorial Gardens, 1025 Southeast Loop 456, Jacksonville.