Jewell Rae Offinga

Jewell Rae (Rodgers) Offinga, 87 years old, passed away peacefully at her home in Klamath Falls, Oregon on April 11, 2024.  Jewell was in the company of her beloved Husband, Bill, and loved ones.

Jewell was a native of Klamath Falls, Oregon.  She was born on August 19, 1936 to Art and Gladys (Walker) Rodgers.  Jewell’s Mother, Gladys, gloriously walked to Hillside Memorial Hospital to give birth to their one and only “Little Gem.”  To her parents, she would always remain their “Shining Jewel.”

Jewell held great pride in her Oregon pioneer heritage.  Her Maternal Grandparents migrated via the Oregon Trail to Klamath County.  They eventually homestead in Langell Valley.  Jewell’s Grandfather was a mail runner during the Modoc Indian War.    Jewell’s Paternal Grandparents eventually settled in South Poe Valley.  Growing up many wonderful visits were spent on the original lands.

The majority of Jewell’s life was spent in Klamath County.  She attended school and later College in Klamath Falls.  After attending Oregon Technical Institute (aka OIT), Jewell moved to Los Angeles. Jewell worked as an executive secretary to the Vice President of Alcoa Aluminum Company. While in Los Angeles, Jewell met her first Husband, Jerry Prindle.  Together they started their family and gave birth to two beautiful children:  Michael and Lori. They moved throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.  Eventually Klamath Falls called Jewell home.

In 1962, Jewell married William (Bill) Badorek and later gave birth to Belinda Badorek.  Bill Badorek’s life was short lived.  At a young age, Jewell found herself alone, widowed, and raising three young children. Throughout Jewell’s life she would face many challenges and adversities.  Jewell overcame all of these hardships with amazing grace and finesse.  Jewell was our Family’s “Rock.”  Throughout her life she would maintain a great sense of dignity, pride, determination, preservation and work ethic.  Few individuals could match these attributes.  This unrelentlous strength would carry Jewell throughout the twilight of her years.

In the 1970’s, Jewell began working as a Secretary for the Klamath County School District.  Jewell worked the majority of her career for Principal Mr. Wayne Snoozy at Altamont and Fairhaven Elementary.  She was immensely proud of the servitude & support to which they provided many generations of teachers, families and children in Klamath County.  She also held great pride for their work with the American Cancer Society, Special Olympics, and the Sagebrush Rendezvous Art Show.  Jewell’s work and dedication to the children in Klamath County spanned almost 3 decades.  She retired in 1997.

In 1978, Jewell met the love of her life, Bill Offinga.  They fell in love, married, and enjoyed many adventures together.  They were inseparable!  Among many activities they enjoyed were camping, fishing, mushroom hunting, boating, attending crab feeds, and going to yard sales.  As a couple, they loved to travel together or with family, children, grandchildren, and/or Jewell’s very special cousin Gerry (Delbert) Case.  Together Jewell, Bill and many loved ones created heartfelt memories.  Laughter and great story telling were not limited to Lake of the Woods, Gerber Reservoir, Mount Shasta, Oregon Coast, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, or Panama Canal adventures.

Whenever possible, Jewell also enjoyed playing Dominos and Pinochle.  She was very competitive and played to “win.”  Out of these activities many strong friendships were built.  She cherished these relationships throughout her life.  Jewell also loved her four-legged friends and will be greatly missed by her faithful companion, Tobi.   

In her later years, Jewell found great peace & solace in her faith and relationship with God.  Jewell and Bill have been very proud members of Bible Baptist Church.  Together, they took great pride in their assistance with the Mountain Lakes Bible Camp and church food pantry.

Jewell had a very profound bond and love for her Husband: Bill Offinga, children: Mike (Kathy) Badorek, Lori (Kirk) Ludwig and Belinda (Andy) Badorek-Keenan and her grandchildren:  Tucker Badorek, Keith Ludwig, Kris (Lindsay) Ludwig, Collin Keenan, and Kaitlyn Jewell Keenan.  There will not be a day in which we do not profusely miss Jewell.  We would like to give distinct thankfulness and gratitude to Jewell’s special Care Giver, Michelle Mintz, and all of the Doctors and Nurses from Klamath Hospice.

Jewell was preceded in death by her parents, Art & Gladys Rodgers, Grandson Tucker Badorek, and numerous cousins and friends.  A Celebration of Life Memorial Service and Reception will be held at Bible Baptist Church on June 22, 2024 at 11:00 am.

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