Patricia Merrill Rogers

Patricia Merrill Rogers, affectionately known as Pat, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 16, 2026, in Asheville, at the age of 84. She was born on October 23, 1941, in Fairview.

Pat graduated from A.C. Reynolds High School, where the course of her life was shaped in a special way. She and Charles Rogers were high school sweethearts who first met on the school bus at A.C. Reynolds High School. They were married on July 29, 1960, and shared 66 years of marriage, building a life marked by faith, devotion, and steadfast love.

Throughout her life, Pat faithfully served beside her husband in ministry as a pastor’s wife. She was deeply dedicated to that calling and was a constant source of encouragement and support. She also served as a young girls Sunday School teacher and had a special love for the teenage girls at church. Her faithful example, caring heart, and quiet strength made her a model pastor’s wife to many who knew her. Along the way, she and Charles also enjoyed many mission trips and treasured family vacations.

Pat found great joy in the people she loved most. She loved spending time with her family, and those moments were among her greatest blessings. She also enjoyed Carolina Tar Heels basketball, a pastime that brought her much pleasure through the years.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Rev. Charles Rogers, with whom she shared a remarkable life and marriage. She is also survived by her son, Rev. Shane Rogers and his wife Kim; her grandson, Rev. Drew Rogers and his wife Bethany; her granddaughter, Kaylee Rogers; her great-grandson, Samuel Rogers; and many nieces and nephews. Her family will cherish her memory with deep love and gratitude for the faith, care, and devotion she gave so generously.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Merrill and Gertrude Galyean Merrill. She was also preceded in death by her siblings: Cathleen Franklin, Robert Merrill, T.C. Merrill, Willie Capps, Mary Avalane, Virginia Merrill, and Betty Cunningham.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. at Freedom Baptist Church, 50 Rice Road, Asheville, NC 28806. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Freedom Baptist Church with Rev. Kellen Griffin, Rev. Shane Rogers, and Rev. Drew Rogers officiating. Burial will follow at Emmas Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Fairview.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Shriners Children's Hospital at shrinerschildrens.org

Patricia Merrill Rogers will be remembered for her faithful Christian life, her love for her family, and her devoted service to the church. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and in the many lives touched by her kindness, guidance, and unwavering support.

Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve the Rogers family.