Eileen Sullivan Rotert, 76, former WRC editor

Mary Eileen Sullivan Rotert, age 76, passed away on January 16 at Maple Crest Care Centre, Belvidere, Ill. She was formerly of Lemmon, Rapid City and Sturgis. She was cremated and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Lemmon at a later date, and burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery also in Lemmon.

Eileen Sullivan was born on May 31, 1941, to John L. and Marguerite M. (Klinkhammer) Sullivan. She graduated from Lemmon High School and Black Hills State College in Spearfish. On August 3, 1959, Eileen married James A. Rotert at St. Mary Catholic Church in Lemmon; they had four children.

Eileen spent most of her working life in journalism. Before retiring in 2004, she served as the editor of the West River Catholic newspaper for the Diocese of Rapid City. She earned a number of journalism awards, especially for her writing about women in the church. Eileen was an Associate of the Sisters of the Holy Family.

After retirement, Eileen left her beloved South Dakota to be closer to her children and lived in Florissant, Mo., and Rockford, Ill. She maintained her love of learning and her passion for nature throughout her life. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy.

Eileen leaves, to cherish her memory, her four children, daughters: Barbara Bennett, Michelle Rotert, and Catherine Sylve all of Illinois and one son: Patrick Rotert of Spearfish; their families; three siblings, Joe Sullivan of Ottawa, Ill, Jim Sullivan of Mandan, N.D., and Patricia Fletcher of Chicago, Ill; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. She is predeceased by her parents and her former husband.

Memorials may be made to the National Audubon Society at audubon.org.