Laura Bowen Rothacker

1929 - 2016

Laura Bowen Rothacker, a resident of Luther Acres Manor, Lititz, formerly of Palatine, Ill., and Minersville, passed away Monday after a long illness.

Born in Frackville, Sept. 4, 1929, she was a daughter of the late Alfred and Laura Mae Bowen Mervine. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Gerald W. Rothacker Sr., in 1996; 11 brothers and sisters.

While living in Minersville, she sold Tupperware and Avon and later in life managed the grill at the Kmart, Palatine. 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.

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.

She resided in Lancaster County since 2009, first at St. John Herr's Estate, Columbia, and more recently at Luther Acres Manor, Lititz.

She was of the Lutheran faith and regularly attended at the Chapel at Luther Acres.

Surviving are sons, Dr. Gerald (Carla), and Alan (Kate), both of Lititz, and Kenneth (Gail), Rolling Meadows, Ill.; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

She will be missed by all whose lives she touched and to whom she was always "so nice."

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. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, Lititz, is in charge of arrangements. To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com.

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