Frances Christine Rottinghaus, 97, of Seneca, Kansas, died Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Crestview Manor care home in Seneca.

Frances was born on November 12, 1927, on a farm southeast of Kelly, KS, the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Steinlage) Niehues. She grew up on that farm while attending St. Bede’s Catholic School in Kelly and graduated from there in 1944.  She attended Mount Saint Scholastica College in Atchison, KS for one year.  She then worked at Goff Bank in Goff, KS until she was married.

On October 14, 1948 she married Justin Rottinghaus at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly, KS.  They raised crops and livestock at their farm north of St. Benedict, KS.  She was a homemaker and cared for her family while helping on the farm.  She was a para-professional at USD 488 in Bern, KS for 2 years. She compassionately cared for Justin who became disabled following a stroke in 1985 until 2011 when he moved to the care home. Justin & Frances moved to Seneca in 1986 and in June 2020, Frances began living with her three daughters until she recently moved at the end of 2024 to Crestview Manor care home where she resided until her death.  While living with her daughters, she became part of their worlds and was accepted and loved by all their friends.

She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Seneca and formerly a member of St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict where she was a member/officer of the altar society.

Her joy in life came from spending time with her family and friends.  She was always smiling and happy to see you.  There was not a person who knew Frances who did not speak of her as a sweet, soft-spoken, caring and humble lady who always found the good in others.  Everyone who knew her loved her, especially those who cared for her at the nursing home. She loved to help others and was always asking what she could do to pitch in even in her final years.  Her hobbies included playing cards, square dancing, walking, reading, and watching the activities of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known for her strong faith and was a devout servant of God.  She faithfully prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet every day with her two sisters, Norbertine and Florence, prior to their deaths.  After Norbertine passed, her daughter, June Bieri, prayed the chaplet with Frances.

While her cup was full in life, she really missed Justin and is certainly glad to be together with him again.

She was preceded in death by her husband on April 1, 2017; brothers Herbert and Ferdy Niehues; a two-year-old sister, Anita, Bernadine, Rita Niehues, Florence Hermesch and Norbertine Miller and son-in-law Larry Halley.

Survivors are her six children: Dianne Halley of Overland Park, KS; Terry (Peggy) Rottinghaus of Axtell, KS; Don (Sue) Rottinghaus of Raymond, NE; Betty (Don) Wessel of Paola, KS; Bob (Annette) Rottinghaus of Baileyville, KS; Jeanne (Judd) O’Connor of Adel, IA; 16 Grandchildren: Jason (Stephanie) Halley, Kristin (Tony) Halley Mana, Todd (Kristen) Rottinghaus, Joe (Molly) Rottinghaus, Renae (Heath) Rottinghaus Whitney, Trisha (Jaime) Rottinghaus Briggs, Brett (Hannah) Rottinghaus, Amber Wessel, Nichole (Eric) Wessel Harris, Travis (Sarah) Wessel, Laura (Nate) Rottinghaus Haverkamp, Amy (Jeff) Rottinghaus Heinen, Aaron (Nikki) Rottinghaus, Lucas O’Connor, Adam O’Connor and Kadin O’Connor; 32 Great-Grandchildren; and 1 Great-Great-Grandchild on the way.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Wednesday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 AM Thursday at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the St. Bede’s Catholic church cemetery.

Memorial designations will be To Crestview Nursing and Residential Living, Sts. Peter and Paul Church or St. Mary’s Church sent in care of the family.