Roger James Rodriguez

Roger James Rodriguez, 69-year-old Nowata native, passed away November 5, 2025, at his home in Coweta, Oklahoma. Roger was born on September 21, 1956, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Robert and Rubye Whiteturkey Rodriguez. He grew up in Nowata, Oklahoma, where he met his future wife, Jeanne Ketcherside in the 8th grade. After graduation, the two were married in Nowata on May 26th, 1976. Roger and Jeanne moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma where they started their life together, which included work and family. Jeanne worked at a Dentist Office and Roger went to work for the phone company, GTE, along with his brother-in-law Mike Ketcherside. Throughout his younger years at GTE, Roger held several positions from cable splicer, air tech, and Engineer. He had three passions in life, his first being his wife, Jeanne. Roger’s second passion came with the birth of his two boys, Justin and Jerad. When they reached the age to start playing sports, Roger coached them in baseball, football, and basketball. The players from all his teams were a part of his family and that life, in a way, brought him great joy, especially in their accomplishments. Not just on the diamond, field, or court, but watching them grow up to become great men. His 3rd passion in life was his proud Native American Heritage. He was a proud Lenape of the Delaware Tribe. Roger loved powwows and took great enjoyment attending them. He also took great pride in expressing his culture, sharing it every opportunity he had. Roger had an adamant belief in honor and tradition, which he made sure to use as concrete for the foundation of his Grandchildren. When Roger was not doing something with their grandchildren, he was doing something for them. It was with his foundation he was able to watch their great accomplishments in life. With his free time, he would watch Sooner Sports, of any kind, on TV and enjoyed trips with his friends to the Casinos.

Roger is survived by his two sons and their families, Justin and his wife Bethany Rodriguez, along with their 3 children Xander Rodriguez, Ahriana Rodriguez, and Drake Rodriguez; Jerad and his wife Rachelle Rodriguez, their daughters Reese and Allie Rodriguez; Great Granddaughter Addyson; Brothers, Joe Rodriguez, Richard Rodriquez and his wife Sandy; Ronnie Whiteturkey and his wife Jackie. Roger was preceded in death by his wife Jeanne Rodriguez and his parents Robert and Rubye Rodriguez.

Visitation for Roger will be held on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in the Benjamin Funeral Service Chapel from 4-6pm. Funeral services will follow on Monday morning, 10:00 am in the Chapel with Wendell Abbott officiating. His final resting place will be in the Relocated Cemetery, Nowata, with Wendell Abbott and Chad Killscrow officiating services. Casket bearers will be Jerad Rodriguez, Justin Rodriguez, Richard Rodriguez, Xander Rodriguez, Drake Rodriguez, Raynin Whiteturkey, and Remmington Whiteturkey. Arrangements are under the direction of the Benjamin Funeral Service, Nowata, 918-273-2700. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or on the funeral home Facebook page.