Rogena Irene Richards

Rogena Irene Richards, 72, Atchison, Kansas died Wednesday February 10, 2021 at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Cremation is planned.  There will be no services or visitation at this time.  Final care has been entrusted to Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home.

Rogena was born February 16, 1948 in Atchison, Kansas the daughter of Matthew Downing, Jr., and Delores Dale Downing.  She attended Atchison Public Elementary School and graduated from Atchison High School.  She then attended and graduated from Emporia State Teacher's College.

Rogena began her teaching career at Franklin elementary school then at Martin West elementary then at Burt Nash and Atchison Middle School for 39 years until her retirement.

She was an active member of Second Christian Church.  In her spare time, she loved to read and especially enjoyed time she could spend with her grandchildren.

Survivors include daughters, D'Ne Richards, Atchison, KS; Lori (Lonnie) Richards, Atchison, KS; sister, Mildred Birch, Atchison, KS; brother, Matthew "Chic" Downing, Atchison, KS; seven grandchildren, Jerrid; Caitlin; DeMarcus; Camryn; Dana; Jace; Camille; and two great grandchildren, Kiana and ShoShoni.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Dana Richards; a sister, Vicky Downing; and her parents.