Yerington NV – April 16, 2026
Marion “Babe” Rodgers, age 102, a long time Yerington resident, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026 at Carson Tahoe Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Babe was born on December 16, 1923 in Santa Ana, California to Marcia and John Rodgers Sr. He graduated high school from Los Angeles City High School in June 1943 and immediately enlisted in the US Navy.
Babe spent three years in the Navy as a 2nd Class Petty Officer Metalsmith on the Heavy Cruiser USS Louisville. The USS Louisville engaged in World War II Pacific warfare and took on three kamikaze aircraft throughout that time. Babe received a Purple Heart due to injuries sustained when one of the kamikaze aircraft blew up above the ship. The shrapnel from the kamikaze poured down on the ship and hit Babe in its path, injuring him and embedding a piece of the plane in his arm. He ended up with an amazing lifelong souvenir.
Babe proudly served in the US Navy from June 12, 1943 to February 24, 1946. He received many honorable metals: Victory Metal WWII, Purple Heart, Philippine Liberation 2 Stars, American Area, and Asiatic Pacific Area 7 Stars.
Upon discharge from the Navy, Babe headed to Manhattan, Nevada, where he had spent time as a teenager, to help his father in the operations of the family mines. In civilian life, he married, had a daughter and moved around Nevada until ending up in Yerington in 1958. In Yerington he met his second wife, Dorothy, who had three daughters, and for the next 53 years built a wonderful life. Babe ran his own service station on Main St. for several years. He decided to hang it up and went to work for Standard Slag Iron Mine northeast of Yerington until he retired in late 1970’s.
Babe’s family was very important to him. He enjoyed spending every minute with them whether fishing, camping, traveling, or the many sporting events he supported over the years for his grandkids, great grandkids and great- great grandkids. Babe was also a lifelong member of the VFW, Masonic Hope Lodge, Eastern Star and Shriner’s. The members of these groups were just like his family. He was very passionate and honored to be part of these fine organizations.
He is survived by his two daughters, Carolyn Elmer of Yerington and Georgina Lee of Arizona; grandchildren, Carol & Scott Jones of Yerington, Stacy Elmer of Yerington, Tina Prince of Washington, Karen Bodenhofer-Weber of McGill, Kevin Wright of Arizona, Jaime Coplin of Yerington; great grandchildren, Travis & Mikayla Jones, Matt & Sandra Jones, Tyler & Halle Jones, Mariah Elmer, Jacob Elmer, Felicia Jones, Carol Ann & Jeremy Ferro, Vanesa & Brent Lemke, Paul Prince, Tony Moreno, Nellie Moreno, James Moreno, Crystal Field, Donavan Coplin, Brandon Coplin; great-great grandkids, Aaron, Kaysen, Everett, Carter, Eli, Koah, Liam, Christopher, Jett, Blake, Lexi, Aeva, Evelyn and Brandon.
He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who lovingly called him “Uncle Babe”.
Babe was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy Rodgers; his parents, Marcia and John Sr.; brothers, John Rodgers Jr. and Ward Rodgers; daughters, Barbara Freitas and Donna Horn (Ray); grandsons, Keith Wise, Terri Elmer, great granddaughter, Lexi Wise.
Babe Rodger’s will be remembered for his kindness, hard work, resilience, integrity and community. His absence leaves a void in the hearts of his family, friends and all who knew him but his legacy of love and service will continue to inspire and guide generations to come.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Babe Rodgers on May 2, 2026 at 10:00am at the Mason Valley Boys & Girls Club Gym 124 N. Main St., Yerington, NV 89447. The family requests donations be made in Babe’s name to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Family and friends are invited to sign his online guest book at www.FRFH.net
Arrangements and Cremation are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208, Yerington, NV 89447 (775)463-2911
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