Ethel A. Rottinghaus, 99, of St. Benedict, Kansas, died Thursday morning, March 11, 2010 at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Ethel was born west of Seneca, Kansas on February 8, 1911, the daughter of Henry and Mary Tangeman Wietharn. She attended Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School in Seneca. After graduating from 8th grade, she helped on the family farm until she got married.

On April 24, 1935 she married John I. Rottinghaus at Sts. Peter & 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, where she had been honored as the oldest living member of the church community.

Ethel loved collecting and trying new recipes with a special interest in baking. The family will always remember her for having cinnamon rolls and cookies in the freezer. Other special interests were gardening, quilting, playing cards, crocheting and visiting with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her three sons, John H. Rottinghaus (Gladys) of St. Benedict, Leroy Rottinghaus (Grace) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Eugene Rottinghaus (Karen) of Plano, Texas; three daughters, Mary Jane Hammes (Leo) of Seneca, Rita Buessing (Bob) of Baileyville and Joann Rottinghaus of Olathe, Kansas; two sisters, Leona Lueger and Rose Kramer, both of Seneca; 25 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Francis “Chic” on September 19, 2008; a daughter, Janice Heiman (Gilbert) 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 were prayed on Friday, March 12, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, March 13, by her grandson, Fr. Greg Hammes and con-celebrated by Fr. Ed Oen C.P.P.S. and Fr. Mike Koller at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict.

Music was provided by the church choir and soloist Cyril Steinlage. The pall was placed over the casket by her children. Servers were great-grandchildren Dylan and Kyle Rethman, Abby Buessing, and Haley Rottinghaus. Lectors were grandchildren Deb Rethman, Brandon Rottinghaus, Mike Rottinghaus, Barbara Buessing and Dan Rottinghaus. Gift bearers were granddaughters Michelle Frohardt, Rebecca Boehmer, Deb Rethman, Cindy Hammes, Barbara, Jennifer, Mary, and Melissa Buessing, Lindsey Rottinghaus, Julie Boeding and Renee Meyer. The Eucharistic minister was her son-in-law, Leo Hammes.

Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in St. Benedict. Pallbearers were grandsons Ron and Dan Rottinghaus, John, Bruce, Alex and Wayne Buessing, Dave and Gary Hammes, Michael, Steve and Kevin Rottinghaus, Kent Heiman and Brandon Rottinghaus.

Memorials may be given in Ethel’s memory for St. Mary’s Church, and sent in care of the family.