Rosemary (Summers) Altherr

Rosemary (Summers) Altherr, age 95, peacefully passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024 at Glenn Park of Defiance, surrounded by her family.   
  
She was born on April 25, 1928, the daughter of John and Josephine (DeWitt) Summers in Springfield, IL. On September 20, 1947 she married Richard J. Altherr, who preceded her in death in January, 1991.
  
Rosemary spent her early years growing up in Abe Lincoln County in central Illinois. She attended Springfield Jr. College at the University of Illinois. After her marriage she devoted her life to her husband and children. Rosemary was very active at St. Mary Catholic Church, serving her parish community in many areas of lay ministry. She considered herself a disciple of Jesus Christ who was on a life long journey finding her way to the Father. Rosemary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
  
Rosemary is survived by seven children, John (Mick) Altherr, Barbara Leatherman, Charles (Susie) Altherr, Julie (Denny) Mahnke, Edward Altherr, Elaine (Robert) DeLeon, and Gwen Straley, 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. 
  
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter Ashley Mahnke, and her son-in-law Jeff Leatherman. 
  
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, with a Vigil Service at 3:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 8, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. David Cirata officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery.
  
Memorials are suggested to St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Mary Food Pantry, Defiance County Furniture Bank, or St. Vincent de Paul Society. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

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