Nordine 'Deanie' Leigh Rogers

Nordine Leigh "Deanie" Rogers, known as "Goose" to those lucky enough to be loved by her, passed away on June 21, 2026, at Billings Clinic in Billings, Montana, surrounded by family who never left her side during her shocking and brief battle with severe pancreatitis. She was 69 years old. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 11AM at Silha Funeral Home in Wibaux with Certified Celebrant, Heidi Carney officiating. Following the service, please join the family at noon at the Wibaux Fairgrounds for lunch. Deanie was born on September 13, 1956, in Billings, Montana, to Emma and Ulysses Welborn. She graduated from Billings Senior High School and, while still in Billings, met a handsome young man named Bill Rogers. Bill proposed more than once. Deanie said no more than once. As it turns out, Deanie preferred to do things on her own timeline. After keeping Bill waiting long enough, she surprised him by showing up with an officiant at their home and informed him, in so many words, that today was apparently the day. The two were married on December 2, 1979, and spent the next 46 years proving that the best love stories don't have to start conventionally. Together they built a life in Wibaux, Montana, where they spent the last 40 years side by side. Through every challenge, adventure, and ordinary Tuesday, Bill adored Deanie. Their love was steady, enduring, and the kind people spend a lifetime hoping to find. Bill doted on, worried about, and spoiled Deanie, and she loved every minute of it. Deanie worked hard her entire life, often juggling two jobs at once, even though she didn't get her driver's license until she was 30 years old. Over the years she worked as a waitress, bartender, baker, cook, and probably a dozen other things in between. She never shied away from hard work and never hesitated to do what needed to be done for her family. More than anything, though, Deanie loved her family and friends. She had an endless supply of questions and a genuine curiosity about people. Whether you were a lifelong friend or someone she had just met, she wanted to know your story. She had a way of making people feel interesting, important, and heard. She was fiercely loyal, endlessly supportive, and profoundly proud of her children. If you accomplished something, she wanted to celebrate it. If you were struggling, she wanted to encourage you. If you needed someone in your corner, she was already there. Her children knew her as their biggest cheerleader, but the truth is she rooted for everyone. If you knew Deanie, you knew she also had a few quirks. She was absolutely terrified of snakes, a fact that brought Bill far more joy than it should have. Nothing was safe when she decided it was time to clean, and things had a habit of disappearing if they sat too long. While Bill was what some might call a collector, Deanie firmly believed that if you hadn't used something recently, you probably didn't need it. Their home reflected a lifelong compromise between maximalism and minimalism. If you couldn't find Deanie, you could usually hear her. She walked loudly, cleaned loudly, brushed her teeth loudly, and generally moved through life at a volume that left little doubt about her whereabouts. As a cook, Deanie was enthusiastic, but if we're being completely honest, she was also the reason Bill learned to appreciate restaurants. Family members approached new recipes with equal parts hope and caution, but no one ever came to Deanie's house for the food. They came because she made them feel welcome. While some people are blessed with a green thumb, Deanie's was black. Plants entered her care full of hope and left this world shortly thereafter. She loved flowers anyway and remained stubbornly optimistic that this year's garden would somehow be different. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Bill Rogers; her children, Brent Rogers, Joyelle (Denna) Richey, Michelle Rogers, and Krystin (Seth) Hansard; her grandchildren, Jordyn, Samantha, Tristen, Cole, Alayna, Alyvia, Ashlyn, Maxwell, Alexander, Ever and Huck; and many extended family members and friends whose lives were made better by knowing her. In honor of Deanie, her family plans to carry forward what she wanted most for the people she loved: to be kind, to do good, to support one another, and to be happy. We think Goose would like that. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Nordine 'Deanie' Leigh Rogers

September 13, 1956 - June 21, 2026

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Nordine 'Deanie' Leigh Rogers

September 13, 1956 - June 21, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support