Margaret (Rogers) Rike

Anna Margaret Rogers Rike, a community leader and Somerville business owner who gave many years of service to the First United Methodist Church, the Methodist Hospital and other organizations, died Thursday morning, September 20, 2012 at her home in Somerville. She was 91 years of age.

A Celebration and Remembrance of Life Service for Mrs. Rike was conducted at 1 P.M. Tuesday, September 24th at the Somerville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Walter German of Jackson and Rev. Larry Kendrick of the church officiating. Interment followed in the Somerville City Cemetery. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center - Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mrs. Rike was born February 3, 1921 in Mason, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Ben Willis Rogers and Anna Muriel Eubank Rogers. She graduated from Fayette County High School in 1939. At Fayette County High School, she was known as a skilled basketball guard and recognized as the All Around Best Female Athlete. Later, she graduated from the Memphis School of Commerce. In 1943, she married Lawrence Rike, who preceded her in death in 1974. They owned Tru-Value Hardware Store on the town square from 1946 to 1974.

Mrs. Rike was active throughout her life in religious, business and community activities. An active member of the Somerville First United Methodist Church for 66 years, she served on numerous committees and held leadership positions in the United Methodist Women at the church and district levels. At First United Methodist Church, Mrs. Rike served as chairman of the Council on Ministry and she was the first woman to serve as chairman of the Administrative Board. She served as Laity Leader and as Lay Member of the Annual Conference for 10 years and served as a member of the Memphis Annual Conference’s Committee on Finance and Administration.

In recognition of her leadership abilities, she was nominated to the Southeastern Jurisdiction Woman’s Division of the United Methodist Church, a distinction given to only a few women in the Southeast. In addition, Mrs. Rike participated in the Community Bible Study groups and served as Worthy Matron of the local Eastern Star chapter.

Friends and family knew “Miss Margaret” as a compassionate friend, a lover of animals, a skilled bridge player, an able angler and a great cook. A tall woman with a formidable presence, she shared her time and many talents generously with those around her. Quick to laugh, she had a positive attitude and encouraged and inspired others.

Margaret’s brother, Paul Rogers, shared, “Margaret, not only was my sister but a good friend. From childhood, we shared each other’s good and bad times. We never forgot who we were or where we came from.” Sister Nell Atkeison added, “Margaret has always been devoted to serving the Lord, her family and others. Things will never be the same without her.

Mrs. Rike is survived by two daughters, Beverly Brady (Harris) of Tampa, FL, Marilyn Edwards (Tommy) of Knoxville; her brother, Paul Rogers of Mason, her sister, Nell Atkeison of Somerville; four grandchildren, Alison Galbraith of Auburn, AL, Michael Edwards (Gina) of Naples, FL, Melissa Cate (Wes) of Knoxville, Ryan Edwards of Knoxville; and four great grandchildren, Sydney Edwards, Mark Edwards, Jonathan Cate and Anna B. Galbraith.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Rike was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Rogers, Ray Rogers; and three sisters, Elizabeth Taylor, Kathryn Petty and Frances Clifton.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Somerville First United Methodist Church, 202 East Street, Somerville, TN 38068 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 4825 Trousdale Drive, Suite 220, Nashville, TN 37220.