Gia Garza

Gia Ralai (Rogers) Garza, 66, of Iola, Kansas, entered Heaven's Gates on June 21, 2025, after an 8-year battle with breast cancer.

Gia was born on January 8, 1959, in Iola, Kansas, to Harvey Rogers and Beverly (Handley) Rogers. She graduated from Iola High School in 1977. In Junior and Senior High, Gia showcased her ability in track & field. She was known to excel in all sprinting events, whether competing against girls or boys. She also participated in fast-pitch softball as a pitcher and infielder. During High School, Gia found her calling in band with the percussion section. She also played the snare drum in the marching band.

After high school, Gia pursued further education, attending nursing school in the Pittsburg and Chanute areas, becoming a dedicated caregiver in the medical field where she worked for Dr. Lenski for 15 years. She was renowned for her exceptional ability to start an I.V. or draw blood from any site, in any situation. Caring for people in any way possible was her top priority and what she was known for throughout her life. Her medical career in Iola truly prepared her for life's future battles.

Gia married Sam Garza, and together they raised three children. On her days off, you could often find Gia dancing to her favorite R&B music, a passion her siblings remember her enjoying at any occasion. She loved attending concerts and was always the designated babysitter, a role she cherished. While Gia enjoyed spending time with all her family, she particularly favored her time with her grandchildren. Her fighting spirit and strength endured through her battles with both MS and breast cancer.

Gia is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Beverly (Handley) Rogers, and her grandson, Franklin Garza, Jr.

She is survived by her loving father, Harvey Rogers; her ex-husband, Sam Garza; her children, Franklin Garza, Sr., Tyra and Mark Hanson, Deana and Francisco Rodriguez, Octavia Garza and Dasjon Pham, and Olivia Garza. She leaves behind her siblings, LaChel McCartney (Tony Lopez), Monty Rogers (Angie Rogers), and LaTonya Rogers. Gia's memory will be cherished by her many grandchildren, Keanen, Carlene and Treylon, Isaac, Josh and ShaCurious, Xaiviyan, Isabella and Devin, Uriah, Rafael, and Evelyn, as well as her great-grandchildren, Zayden, Melaina, Yazmine, Sileana, and Maureal, and step-great-grandchild, Aisly McAlexander.

A memorial service for Gia will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US-54 Hwy, Iola, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to National MS Society or Susan G. Komen For the Cure and left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.