Mary Jane Rothove, 89, Folk, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
She was born on Sept. 8, 1936, to the late Frank and Catherine (Dill) Bauer in Rich Fountain.
She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Rich Fountain.
Mary Jane was united in marriage to the love of her life Rudolph Rothove on Oct. 2, 1954. They shared nearly 60 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on July 29, 2014.
She worked at the International Shoe Factory and later at McGraw-Edison until 1964, when they made the decision for her to devote her time to raising their family. Mary Jane was a faithful and active member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Folk.
She found great joy in quilting, a passion she pursued from 1977 until 2013. During that time, she served as president of the quilting group for five years. Mary Jane and Rudy also loved gardening and was well known for selling fresh produce at local farmers markets throughout the 1980s and into the mid-1990s. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family.
Mary Jane was preceded in death by beloved husband, Rudy; parents, Frank and Catherine; son-in-law, Greg Meller; brother, Ray Bauer; sister, Laura Groner; and great-grandchildren, Cohen Isenberg and Cameron Porch.
She is survived by children, Elaine Meller, Marlene Riney and husband Chris, Jane Heckman and husband Leon, Ron Rothove and wife Mary and Robert Rothove and wife Jennifer; grandchildren, Nichole Huhn and husband Dave, Dale Meller and wife Ashley, Sarah Owens and husband John, Kristin Turner and husband Nick, Megan Kampeter and husband Kyle, Danielle Porch and husband Josh, Tim Heckman and wife Jenny, Curt Heckman and wife Adrian, Laura Isenberg and husband Clayton, Sam Rothove and wife Liz, Tyler Rothove and wife Lauren and Max, Benjamin and Leo Rothove; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; along with many extended family members and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, July 7, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Folk, with Rev. Fr. Dylan Schrader officiating. Interment followed at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Houser-Millard Funeral Directors, Jefferson City.
Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com
