Pamela Kay Rodgers

  Pamela Kay Rodgers, 73, of Newton, died Thursday, June 11, 2026, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. The family will greet friends from 10-11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton.  Memorials to the Coal Ridge Church can be left at the funeral home. 

   Pam, the daughter of William and Marjorie (Bishop) Franklin, was born December 5, 1952, in Knoxville. She grew up on a farm between Pella and Knoxville. She attended a one-room school until 3rd grade. She did the rest of her schooling in Knoxville, graduating in 1971.  She took a job at Pella Corp., where she met her future husband, Stephen “Newt” Rodgers.  The couple were united in marriage September 16, 1979, at Red Rock.  Pam then worked for the Newton schools as a paraprofessional for many years. She was always willing to shift into any role that needed filled, whether it be in the nurse’s office, the lunchroom, or any classroom that needed her.  She later took a job as a secretary at DMACC in Newton, which inspired her to get her associate’s degree.  She then worked as the librarian at DMACC until she retired.  Pam was a proud member of the Red Hat Society. She was an avid artist and painter, but was known mostly for her drawings, which she enjoyed sharing with her loved ones. She enjoyed spending time with her family, oftentimes playing rounds of cards or sitting on her front porch talking late into the night. Pam and Newt also dedicated 27 years to welcoming foster children into their home. They cared for over 60 children over the years.

   Pam is survived by her children: Amanda Rodgers, Levi Rodgers, Heidi Rodgers (Scott Nesbitt), Madison Rodgers, and Nathan Rodgers; her grandchildren: Zachary Perin, Mathias Rodgers, Harlie Sparks, Payton (Marissa) Nesbitt, and Grace Nesbitt; her siblings: Lovena Van Haaften, Sandy Mayfield, and David Franklin; several nieces and nephews; and her good friends, Bev Versteegh and Teresa Davis.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stephen “Newt” Rodgers; a son, Joshua Logan Rodgers, in infancy; two great-grandchildren, Madison Lynn Nesbitt and Madison Maxine Nesbitt; and her sister, Mindy Bottorff.