Ethel A. Rottinghaus

Ethel A. Rottinghaus, 99, of St. Benedict, KS, died Thursday morning, March 11, 2010 at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.
     Ethel was born west of Seneca, KS on February 8, 1911, the daughter of Henry and Mary Tangeman Wietharn. She attended Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Seneca. After graduating from the 8th grade, she helped on the family farm until she got married.
     On April 24, 1935 she married John I. Rottinghaus at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. The couple was married for 26 years, before John’s death on October 30, 1961. They lived on a farm north of St. Benedict where Ethel continued to live her whole life.
     She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict.  She enjoyed gardening, quilting, cards, crocheting and her grandchildren.  
     She is survived by her three sons, John H. Rottinghaus of St. Benedict, Leroy Rottinghaus of Lee Summit, MO and Eugene Rottinghaus of Plano, TX; three daughters, Mary Jane Hammes of Seneca, Rita Buessing of Baileyville and Joann Rottinghaus of Olathe, KS; two sisters, Leona Lueger and Rose Kramer, both of Seneca; 25 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren.
     She was preceded in death by her son Francis “Chic” on September 19, 2008; her daughter Janice Heiman on July 13, 2008; two infant daughters, Mary and Rose Ann; a grandson, Kurt Rottinghaus; her brother, Vincent Wietharn; and an infant brother and sister.
     Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Friday, March 12, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 AM on Saturday, March 13, at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict, with burial in the church cemetery.
      Memorials may be left in Ethel’s memory to St. Mary’s Church, and sent in care of the family.