Senior living facility mourns Billings woman after fatal accident

BILLINGS — Shirley Rogers, 78, lived at the Holiday Aspen View senior living community and was picked up by her 54-year-old son, Shane Rogers, on Friday, Sept. 13, which staff at the senior living community said was a normal occurrence for the mother-son duo. But Shirley never returned to Aspen View because her vehicle was struck by a fleeing suspect around 7 p.m., killing both of them.

Although she only lived in Aspen View for three months, Shirley Rogers became friends with many people, including resident Neeltje McNulty.

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“She was vibrant, positive and wonderful,” McNulty said Tuesday. “She had just been released from the hospital and wanted to get her strength back. So we invited her to train and that's how she came to the exercise class.”

The driver of the vehicle that struck the Rogers, Ricky Buckhanan, was arrested and charged with eight felonies, including negligent homicide, for his alleged role in the crash. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and is in Yellowstone County Jail on $1 million bail.

Aspen View staff told MTN News Shane Rogers would try to visit his mother daily. They also said Shirley would play the piano for residents as they went into the dining room or she would play later in the evening.

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“Shirley was our piano player,” McNulty said.

McNulty said it was a shock to everyone when residents of the retirement home learned of the crash that killed Shane and Shirley.

“We're used to people driving ambulances and stuff, but not when you're in mortal danger and you're out with your son, and suddenly. So, everyone kind of can't believe it,” she said. “She was a wonderful woman. And we're really going to miss her.”