Mary H. (Ruppe) Botsford (birth name: Karen Elizabeth Kelley) was born in Madison, WI on July 3, 1950 to Evelyn L. Kelley. She was a darling brunette child with bright blue eyes. When she was 5 years old, she and her younger brother, Michael "Matthew" were renamed and adopted by F. George and Kathleen (O’Malley) Ruppe where they began a new life in Janesville, WI, and were later joined by a younger sister, Debra. A favorite memory Mary held from her childhood was a family boating adventure on the Mississippi River, when her father bought her a special seashell necklace (spurning a love of seashells) and the family camped on sandbars along the river from McGregor, IA to New Orleans, LA.

A 1968 graduate of Craig High School, Mary was remembered by classmates as a standout student in science, and a talented member of the water ballet team (an activity she dearly loved). ln January of 1972, she married John T. Botsford at St. John Vianney Church in Janesville, WI. Their 26-year union brought five children into the world. The family moved several times in the early years, through three different states before settling in Lancaster, WI for many years.

Mary’s primary roles were that of a mother and homemaker. She did what she could to take care of her family, including planting large gardens, canning, holding frequent yard sales to help supplement income, and always offering a listening ear or a hug when it was needed. Throughout her life, she also worked as a caregiver to her grandparents, held various jobs, and once ran a small food pantry from her home. Her lifelong dream, inspired by her own experiences, was to open a home for unwed mothers and study midwifery. While that dream never fully came to life, it stayed close to her heart.

Through the entirety of her life, Mary carried both incredible strength and deep challenges. Her mental health struggles began early on, with severe depression and other disorders shaping much of her journey, resulting in a life that was often a mix of highs and lows.

The good times could really be good. Mary had determination and spunk. She was sassy and witty, often catching people off guard in the best way with her humor. She could be stubborn, but she was also deeply tender-hearted and loving, especially toward her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She gave freely of whatever she had and went out of her way to help others whenever she could, even when she herself did not have much. She enjoyed music and dancing and had a passion for swimming and cooking. Her penmanship was beautiful and she had a creative side that she explored through painting, drawing, and other artistic outlets.

By contrast, the low times could be overwhelming and difficult, both for her and for those who loved her. Even then, she endured, never fully losing her faith, her hope, or her love for her family. Over the last couple of decades, Mary also faced many physical health challenges, including several life-threatening illnesses, which she miraculously survived time and time again. Her will to live, the care of skilled medical professionals, and lots of prayer carried her through. Although she faced significant mental and physical health challenges throughout her life, Mary met them with quiet strength and resilience. Her faith in God remained a constant source of comfort. She once said, “God was always there, He never left me.” Because of this, we find peace in knowing this is not a goodbye, but a “see you later.” Mary passed to Heaven on the evening of Wednesday, April 15, 2026. She will be greatly missed by her family and those who were blessed to know her, but we find comfort in knowing she is no longer struggling, and that she is fully restored, at peace, and reunited with loved ones.

Mary is survived by her children: Kristine Botsford, Elizabeth (Lizz) Towsley, and Mary Sarah Botsford.

She is also survived by her sister, Corinne Miller-Grover (Tim). Her grandchildren, Austin Carl; Jordan and Dominic Botsford; Tristin, Tyler, and Winter Towsley; Donavin Botsford; Richard Towsley; and Emmarie and Forrest Thoma. Her great-grandchildren, Scarlett and Lynk Pagni. She is further survived by her nephew, Matthew Ruppe Jr.; her nieces, Machelle Belk and Tricia Pesce; and a sister-in-law, Rose Ruppe.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her children, Shawn T. Botsford and Kathryn Rose Botsford (born sleeping); the father of her children, John T. Botsford; her son-in-law, Carl C. Towsley; her sister, Debra Ruppe; her brothers, Matthew Ruppe Sr. and David Miller; as well as additional siblings who have only recently been discovered.

Mary’s story was and always will remain a testament to a true example of a resilient and beautifully determined woman. The strongest woman we will ever know. Her life remains a message for all, to face the future with warm courage, graciousness, and high hopes no matter what comes in the path before you.

A Celebration of Life and a private family burial will be held at later date.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26