Mary Rotter

Mary Rose Rotter (neé, Tourse), 79, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Christian Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.  Born May 6, 1946, in Springfield, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of the late Louis and Theresa (Colo) Tourse.

On August 19, 1967, in Granite City, Mary married the love of her life, Ralph W. “Bill” Rotter, Jr. Their nearly 58 years of marriage were a beautiful reflection of enduring love, partnership, and unwavering devotion.

A woman of deep faith, Mary was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary–St. Mark Catholic Church in Madison, Illinois, where she also served as president of the St. Anne Society. Her faith guided her life and inspired her service to others. Mary’s compassionate spirit shone through in her career as a registered nurse. With a true servant’s heart, she cared for countless patients, friends, and family members throughout her life. She was also a passionate advocate for literacy, volunteering at Frohardt and Prather schools to help young children discover the joy of reading. An exceptional cook, Mary welcomed everyone into her home with warmth, kindness, and a delicious meal, no one ever left her table hungry or without feeling loved. Above all, she was a devoted wife, a loving and supportive mother, and a proud and doting “Gi-Gi” to her grandchildren. Mary’s legacy of kindness, compassion, and care will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Ralph W. “Bill” Rotter, Jr., of Granite City, Illinois; her children, Michael W. (Kelsi) Rotter, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, Laura Ann Rotter, of Bethalto, Illinois, and Erin M. (Richard) Mayer, of Tacoma, Washington; her grandchildren, Benjamin William Rotter, Adam Charles Rotter, Brynn Lydia Mayer, and Andrew Nathan Mayer; her sister-in-law, Katheryn (Garry) Hitt; her brothers-in-law, Thomas Rotter, James (Sheila) Rotter, and Bruce (Cindy) Rotter; and many other relatives and friends. 

Memorials are appreciated to the St. Anne Society.  Condolences may also be expressed online at www.irwinchapel.com. 

Visitation: Family and friends may gather from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Rd., Granite City, Illinois. 

Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, August 4, 2025, at St. Mary-St. Mark Catholic Church, 1621 10th St., Madison, Illinois with Father Stephen Thompson officiating.  Interment will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville, Illinois. 

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home