S. Evelyn Rodgers, 79, Slippery Rock, died at 7:15 a.m. Friday at her home.

Born Oct. 13, 1930, in Armstrong County, she was the daughter of J. Robert "Bob" Rodgers and M. Alberta Craig Rodgers.

She was a member of the Center Presbyterian Church of Slippery Rock

She owned and operated the Rodgers Realty Co., the oldest realty company in Butler County. It has been in existence for more than 100 years.

She was active in politics. She was a former chairwoman of the Butler County Republican Party and currently was a Republican committeewoman for Slippery Rock.

She formerly owned and operated Rodgers Gallery, a craft and basket shop where she taught basket weaving, and created and sold crafts.

She was interested in literature and writing, and she previously worked as a writer for local news publications.

She previously worked for the Pennsylvania Conservancy and was a charter member of the Slippery Rock Heritage Association and organized its first fundraiser.

She was a big dog lover and greatly enjoyed taking care of her loyal friend Ivan.

She is survived by an aunt, Ethel Craig McConnell of Grove City; and a number of cousins, including Charles E. "Charlie" (Chelsy) Craig Jr. of Slippery Rock and Mildred Ann (Jeff) Wilson of Grove City.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a stepbrother, Harold Rodgers.

<B>RODGERS</B> — Friends of S. Evelyn Rodgers, who died Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, will be received from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday the <B>Smith Funeral Home</B>, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.The service will follow at 8:30 p.m. Monday and will be led by the Rev. William Mumaw II, pastor of the Center Presbyterian Church. Burial will be at Butler County Memorial Park.Memorial contributions may be given to the Center Presbyterian Church.