Laura Bowen Rothacker, 86

January 18, 2016

Laura Bowen Rothacker of Luther Acres in Lititz, formerly of Palatine, Ill., and Minersville, Pa., passed away on January 18, 2016, after a long illness.

Laura was born in Frackville, Pa., on September 4th, 1929.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Gerald W Rothacker, Sr., who died in 1996, her parents Laura Mae (Bowen) and Alfred Mervine, and eleven brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her sons Dr. Gerald (Carla), Lititz, Pa.; Alan (Kate), Lititz, Pa.; and Kenneth (Gail), Rolling Meadows, Ill., nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Laura was a loving wife who cared for her husband through a 12-year chronic illness. She was a 1950s stay-at-home Mom to her kids and loved being an amazing Granny.

While living in Minersville she sold Tupperware and Avon and later in life managed the grille at the Kmart in Palatine, Ill. She could play pinochle with the best and had many friends from card clubs, Bible studies, and the neighborhoods where she had lived.

Her post card collection covered decades.

She resided in Lancaster County since 2009, first at St. John Herr’s Estate in Columbia and more recently at Luther Acres Manor in Lititz. She was Lutheran and regularly attended at the Chapel at Luther Acres.
She will be missed by all whose lives she touched and to whom she was always “so nice.”

The family wishes to especially thank the staffs of St. John Herr’s Estate Personal Care and Luther Acres Healthcare Center who took such good care of her.

A memorial service is planned for a future date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Laura’s memory to Luthercare, 600 E Main St, Lititz, PA, 17543; or The Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.