Lyme, NH – Roger C. Jenks was born on February 27, 1928 in Hanover, New Hampshire. He died in his home, as he wanted, on September 30, 2026.
The oldest son of Chester Jenks and Marian (Hanchett) Jenks, Roger lived a life of hard work surrounded by family and friends. He attended Lyme School, joined the work-force to help support his large family, and later served in Japan for the US Army from 1946-1947.
Known well in the construction trade, he was a sought-after heavy equipment operator, working for many large excavation companies. He was involved with the relocation and rebuilding of Route 10, the ledges on the interstate in Fairlee, and later while working with his oldest son Jim, worked on many roads, commercial and residential projects in the Upper Valley.
On November 27, 1949 he and Ruth Elizabeth Godfrey of Thetford, VT married, living a full life, raising three children, growing enviable gardens, and teaching by example the art and benefits of strong work ethics. He and Ruth enjoyed time in the gardens, visits with good friends and family, and many years of camping with the Good Sams group. As Lyme’s oldest citizen, Roger was the current holder of Lyme’s Boston Post cane.
He is survived by his wife of almost 77 years, his daughter Carol Jenks of Lyme, his youngest son Peter Jenks of Washington State, daughter-in-law Patty Jenks, granddaughters Katie Jenks and Holly Lewis and great-granddaughters Emilie and Olivia Taylor. Other family members include many nieces, nephews and cousins, and his favorite sister-in-law Barbara Smith.
Roger was predeceased by his parents, siblings Stanley Jenks, Richard Jenks, Edward Jenks and Beverly J Balch, son James Jenks, and grandson Jonathan Jenks.
Toward the end of 98 years of a life well-lived, Roger and his family were the recipients of competent and loving care through the Hospice program at Dartmouth Health Home Care. His family wishes to acknowledge this care with great appreciation and especially recognize the skilled and special time he received from nurses Joyce and Kendra. Additionally, Dr. Kenton Powell and his staff of the Lyme Road DH Clinic provided a thoughtful and genuine presence during many years of care to Roger.
Roger’s service will be a private gathering. If you want to remember him and help honor the gift of life ending with dignity and love, please consider a gift which will create a lasting tribute and provide current and future support for Dartmouth Health Home Care. Families are notified of gifts made in memory, and you receive a receipt for your tax-deductible contribution. Contributions may be mailed to: Medical & Healthcare Advancement, One Medical Center Drive, HB 7070, Lebanon, NH 03756.
To leave a message of remembrance or condolence, please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.
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