BLANCHE INEZ KOSTKA RODGERS Blanche Inez Kostka Rodgers passed away into our Lord's care on August 24th 2020. Blanche was a devoted wife, mother, and woman of deep faith and conviction. She was born on July 2nd, 1932, in Wilber, Nebraska to Emil and Alice Kostka. Blanche grew up in Wilber along with her older brother, Bohuslav and older sister, Emily. She was very active in Sokol gymnastics and graduated from Wilber high school in 1950. Blanche then attended Doane College in Crete, Nebraska and graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor's Degree in history. While pursuing a Master's Degree in European History at American University in Washington, DC, Blanche met John Rodgers, Jr. at church. After a whirlwind romance, John and Blanche married in 1959 and while John taught at Virginia Theological Seminary they grew the family with the addition of their four children. In 1976, they relocated to Pittsburgh where Blanche brought her kindness and generosity in support of the establishment of Trinity School for Ministry where she and John have remained active members of the community. Blanche dedicated her life to caring for her family and looking after those in need. She poured her heart into community endeavors such as helping start Martha's Corner, a free clothing exchange, spending many days and nights at a local pro-life crisis pregnancy center supporting women in emergency situations, and sharing the bounty of her prolific vegetable garden to all. Blanche is survived by her beloved husband, John; her sister, Emily Lyskin; and her children, Mark (Leanne), Sarah (Curtis), Martha (Paul), and Paul (Lauren). She is also survived by her eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Alice, and her brother, Bohuslav. Romans 8:38-39: For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Arrangements by BALL FUNERAL CHAPEL, INC. Memorial Service in Sewickley after the pandemic. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to anglicansforlife.org or tsm.edu. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
