Connie Sue (Manthe) Bottens, 78, passed away on Monday, September 30 at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, October 3 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee with Pastor Justin Rumley officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Kewanee.

Connie was born in Kewanee on December 19, 1945, the only child of Willard and Lucille (Larson) Manthe. She attended Burns school in Burns township, then on to Galva High School graduating in 1964.  She later graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, IL in 1968 with a degree in Business Education.  She taught High school Business in Chandlerville, IL and was the yearbook and cheerleader sponsor for the high school.

Connie met her future husband (Bob) on a blind date arranged by his aunt at a basketball game.  He took her home, got engaged six weeks later then married nine months later on October 24, 1970.  She taught three more years until their son (Monte) was born then became a terrific stay-at-home Mother.  She helped with all jobs on the family farm in rural Cambridge.  Even after suffering a massive stroke at the age of 51, she never complained about her circumstances, always having a contagious smile to give.

Connie is survived by her husband Robert and son Monte and daughter-in-law, Robyn. Preceding her in death were her parents, Willard and Lucille Manthe.

A big thank you to Cambridge Ambulance service and the Doctors and caregivers at Hammond Henry Hospital for their kindness and care while there, and to the staff of Compassus Hospice for their support.

The family encourages memorials be made to the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation, Geneseo, IL or Cambridge Ambulance service, Cambridge, IL.