There are many things John Rottle will best remember his mother, but one thing stands out after all these years.

“She had a very grounding demeanor about her. She was the glue that held this family together,” he said.

Carole Rottle, the family’s matriarch, who devoted herself to her children, friends, community service and business, passed away Feb. 25 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 85.

That compassion and love for others extended from her Midwest farm upbringing during the Depression.

“Her parents were known for their generosity despite being very poor and (being) the youngest of three children, she took after her father in her distinctive quality of always putting others first and recognizing and focusing on the best in people,” said her daughter, Nancy Rottle. “Throughout her life, she knew she was loved by her husband and family, and I think she knew that we appreciated all that she did for us, which was considerable.

“As a mother of four and wife of a small but prominent local business, she was called upon to do whatever was needed,” Nancy continued. “And she filled that supporting role in many ways, demanding that she maintain flexibility and a positive attitude in the most difficult situations.”

Carole and Don Rottle raised four children while establishing and eventually expanding the family business, Rottle’s Clothing & Shoes, a tradition that continues today.

“We will always remember her unwavering love, her reliability to help in any situation, her easy smile and sparkling personality,” Nancy Rottle said.

A celebration of Carole Rottle’s life will be held at 1 p.m. today at Messiah Lutheran Church, 410 H St. NE, Auburn.