Shirley Rogers of Ceres was recognized as one of two outstanding Stanislaus County senior citizens by District 5 Supervisor Channce Condit last week.
Rogers, who will be 90 in July, was recognized as a “steadfast” member of the Ceres community for over 50 years where she raised five children with her late husband of 63 years, Russell “Bud” Rogers.
Supervisor Condit said: “Shirley Rogers exemplifies her commitment to the community service, to her extensive volunteer work in the city of Ceres, dedicating her time and energy to a variety of organizations, including the Ceres Volunteer fire department, Ceres Cemetery, and the Ceres senior free food giveaway, Ceres War Memorial, Ceres Historical Society, Ceres Police Department, Ceres Soroptimist, and the Ceres Senior lunch program, among others.”
He added that her life “embraces life’s challenges with her motto, ‘Take Life as It Comes, Don’t sweat the small stuff.’” That mindset comes, said Condit, from a “perspective stemming from her own experiences, including her resilience through personal obstacles as a juvenile.”
Rogers did not finish high school, but demonstrated an “incredible determination by attending night school at the age of 50, where she earned her high school diploma and persisted her education at Modesto Junior College focusing on public speaking, English and debate.”
Shirley also recently helped spearhead the grandparents’ garage sale to cover the costs of senior events. She also has delivered homemade scarves and hats to the city, staff, and volunteers.
Among her many contributions, Rogers has assisted the Ceres Volunteer Fire Department with community rides and events, often dressing in full turnout gear to ensure children experienced the joy of riding on a fire engine. Since the 1980s, she has also donated handmade teddy bears to the Ceres Police Department to comfort children experiencing traumatic situations.
“Her story is one of resilience, humility, and determination,” Condit added. “She has never stopped giving back to her community, and District 5 is stronger because of her service.”
Rogers also proudly serves as the District 5 representative on the Commission on Aging, where she continues advocating for the needs and voices of older adults throughout Stanislaus County.
“Shirley showcases her unwavering spirit of generosity and community service,” said Condit.
“I’m at a loss for words,” said Rogers, who typically does not mince words at council meetings.
Attending the ceremony in Modesto were many Ceres folks who have become friends and admirers of Rogers. Council members Rosalinda Vierra and James Casey and Chief of Police Trenton Johnson showed up to present a certificate.
The other 2026 Outstanding Senior Citizens of the Year recognized by the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors include:
- District 1: Winnie Mullins (recognized for exceptional dedication and leadership in the Valley Home community); and Don Risse for volunteer efforts in Oakdale and being a Rotary Club leader.
- District 2: Martin and Nancy Qualle of Turlock (recognized for their longstanding community service and volunteerism).
- District 3: Carol Wagner who at age 84 leads exercise classes at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.
- District 4: Nancy Cook who has tirelessly dedicated time with the Healthy Aging Association starting with COVID 19 outreach efforts. She also teaches Young at Heart classes.
- District 5: Besides, Shirley Rogers, Guadalupe Viegas of Patterson was recognized for volunteering for a number of organizations, including 14 years cooking for the homeless with the St. Vincent de Paul Society at her church.
May is officially recognized as “Older Americans Month.”
“When I first became involved with our local area agency on aging and other senior services, I would lament that older adults were invisible,” said Joyce Gandelman. “And we were being forgotten in many aspects of our society. Now, over 20 years later, I should look around this room, as you go to the store, as you go to rock and roll concerts, you see we’re no longer invisible. We are the overwhelming population. The overwhelming population is older Americans.”
