Capt. Kala Loughrey

[ironputts]

May 5, 2023

Capt. Kala Loughrey
Col. Joe W. Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron
Texas Wing

Kala Pauline Rodgers

Kala and Conrad Rodgers passed away together on April 12, 2023, outside of Davis, Oklahoma in a tragic motor vehicle accident on Interstate-35, mile marker 59 traveling northbound.

Kala Pauline (Loughery) Rodgers was born in San Diego, California on October 5, 1964. She is the ever-loving mother of Noah and Wiley Schuler; wife of Conrad Rodgers; daughter of Paul and Dorothy Loughrey; sister of Darin Loughrey and Kelly Intagliata.

Kala grew up in coastal California with sand in her toes, a spark in her eyes and always looking toward the sun. Kala had many passions but perhaps her most fond passion was her love for gymnastics. As a young child of 9 years she began training at the Santa Cruz Gymnastics Club in 1973. She excelled in gymnastics and grew to be a national level athlete, receiving a full 4-year athletic scholarship to University of California, Berkeley. She attended UC Berkeley, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture in 1986, while training as a gymnast. At one time, she held the university record for the highest balance beam score. She was fearless. Not only was she a well renowned gymnast, Kala was an active member of the team, helping navigate the search for a new gymnastics coach among other things. From 1984-1986 she was the co-captain of the team and a calm voice of reason during a chaotic period in the history of gymnastics.

After graduating from college Kala traveled to St. Paul, MN and began a successful career in retail. She was Group Manager, Mens' at Dayton Hudson Department stores in Minneapolis and Division manager at GAP stores in Houston. Kala began a consulting alliance with UK based company, Lane4, reconnecting her with friends from UC Berkeley and launching her career in executive coaching. In her relentless pursuit of knowledge, she obtained a master's degree in business administration at Rice University. She then transitioned to a career in human capital working at Business Talent Group, Bridgepoint Consulting, and finally at Korn Ferry as a Sr Recruiter, in Austin, Texas. Her work ethic was second to none and the only thing that she worked more rigorously at was raising her two children, Noah & Wiley.

In her youth gymnastics was at the core of her life but her thirst for staying fit, pushing boundaries, and teaching others to do the same never left her. She trained in Tae Kwon Do, gaining her Black Belt and taught martial arts and gymnastics in Houston. She is a true inspiration of strength, motivation, and perseverance.

Kala raised her two sons, Noah & Wiley, in Houston, Texas and relocated to Austin, Texas in the summer of 2009. She prioritized her children over everything, making countless sacrifices to give them the best chance for success. Her ability to motivate and support her children has supplied them with all the tools for a happy life. To her friends she was unrelentingly loyal, supportive, and loving.

In 2016 she met Conrad Rodgers, whom she married in 2023. From the moment they met they were inseparable. Kala and Conrad were active members of Civil Air Patrol in Austin. A proud volunteer, Captain Kala Rodgers served as Deputy Commander, Professional Development Officer, and Recruiter for the Texas 352 squadron. Kala and Conrad enjoyed walking together every day, traveling, spending time with their loved ones and were joyful together. They had their marriage ceremony in Fiji in February 2023.

Kala is survived by her children Noah & Wiley Schuler, parents Dorothy and Paul Loughrey, sister Kelly Intagliata (Tommy Intagliata), nieces Elise Juravic & Cory Intagliata, her brother Darin Loughrey (Carolyn Loughrey), and nephews Donovan and Collin Loughrey. Conrad is survived by his 3 children Danielle, Conrad Jr., and Kendrick Rodgers.

Kala and Conrad will be missed by all who love them but will be forever in our hearts.