Reta Byrl Carnahan Rogé

Reta Byrl Carnahan Rogé died on October 29, 2018, in Tyler, Texas, passing away quietly and at peace after battling many health problems. She was born on June 2, 1929, the daughter of Daisy and Joseph Carnahan. She grew up in Cloutierville, La. and attended Northwestern State College, where she studied health services. In 1949 she married Edgar C. Roge, Sr., from Melrose, La., and became a devoted wife and mother to three children.  The Rogés lived in the Melrose area for more than 60 years. Her family was the center of Mrs. Rogé’s life; no sacrifice was too great for them. She was an extraordinary caregiver to her children and to her husband, who battled prostate cancer for five years, passing away in 2012. During this period, Mrs. Rogé, who was in her 80s, drove him often to Houston and New Orleans to undergo treatment with hope and optimism for the future. Two years after her husband’s passing, Mrs. Rogé was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She moved to Tyler, Texas, (where two of her children reside) and underwent chemotherapy. Against all odds, her cancer went into remission. Unfortunately, the treatment further weakened her lungs, which had been damaged in childhood. Her final years were a slow descent into ever-increasing physical frailty. In contrast, her wit and keen mind remained strong until the end. Mrs. Rogé wanted to live and to be with her family, fighting with boundless strength and courage, and serving as an inspiration for everyone she met. She enjoyed her church family as well and was an active member of her Sunday school class at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches. Mrs. Rogé is survived by her three children, Sheron Faye Lacefield of Tyler, Texas; Debra Kaye Bateman of LaPlace, Louisiana; and Edgar Carroll Rogé, Jr. of Tyler. Her grandchildren are Kristen Lacefield of Fort Worth, and Jennifer Lacefield of Texarkana, Texas. Her son-in-law is Jim Bateman, and her daughter-in-law is Dorian Rogé. She also has numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.Graveside services to honor Mrs. Rogés life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, November 3, 2018, at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Mrs. Rogé to First Baptist Church of Natchitoches.