Juanita Marie (Smith) Rogers was born on August 15, 1937, to Harley Smith and Mamie Leota (Maxville) Smith in Wagoner, Oklahoma.  She attended Prairie Elementary School and Hulbert Public Schools.   She furthered her education by attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.  She was also one of the first women to become a certified welder from the skill center in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.  Juanita married Jack Lay in 1955, and together they started a family, blessed with four children whom she loved dearly.

Juanita was a woman who cared deeply and loved others.  She enjoyed sewing, often making clothes for her children and Western shirts for Jack, as well as quilting.  She often took pleasure in every opportunity she could to travel and see different scenery.  She was an avid gardener, both flowers and vegetables.  She raised many vegetables and canned them, stocking up to make sure that her family had fresh vegetables year-round.  Later in life, Juanita married Ray Rogers.   Although Juanita had many interests and pleasures in life, there was no other love like the love she had for her family.

Juanita departed this life on August 18, 2025, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, at the age of 88.  Preceding her in death are her parents, Harley and Mamie Smith; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Bobby Smith and wife, Alice, and Mike Smith and wife, Betty; and her brother-in-law, Lonnie Hakes, and her late husband, Ray Rogers.

Those left to cherish the many fond memories of her life include her children, Kim Lay and wife, Kathy of Peggs, OK, Melinda Powell and husband, Gerry of Broken Arrow, OK, Brenda Hall and husband, Arthur of Tahlequah, OK, and Sherrie Lay of Tulsa, OK; her beloved grandchildren, Rachel Dugan, Lori Spencer, Shelly Boothe, Les Hall, and Jeramy Hall; numerous great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren; her siblings Wanda Hakes, of Hulbert, OK, Ronnie and Janett Smith of Lost City, OK, Betty and John Halpain of Gideon, OK; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss her greatly.

Although the loss is profound, the family cherishes the wonderful memories of Juanita, whose enduring legacy will continue to inspire and strengthen them beyond her passing.

A Viewing will be he held on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 10 am - 11 am in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, to honor the life of Juanita Rogers at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home. Pastor David Jones will officiate.

Interment will follow at the Bennett Addition of Elmwood Cemetery, Wagoner, Oklahoma.

The family of Juanita Rogers has entrusted her care and services to Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory, 417 East Cherokee Street, Wagoner, Oklahoma, 74467.  918-485-2911