MENDOTA - Rosalie McLaughlin, 96, of Mendota, passed away Aug. 14, 2020 at Heritage Health, Mendota.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 24 at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with visitation one-half hour prior to the service. Face masks are required. Burial will follow at Stewart Cemetery in Plainville.

Rosalie was born July 16, 1924 in Plainville to James and Neva (Boyd) McLaughlin.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Otis McLaughlin; a brother-in-law, Dallas Strubinger; and one sister, Madelyn Strubinger.

Rosalie was driven, adventurous and had a thirst for knowledge. She attended Seymour Community High School in Plainville, Western Illinois University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education, and Northern Illinois University receiving her Masters degree. From 1942 to 1945 during World War II, she worked for the Army Map Service, Corps of Engineers in Quincy, where she was the secretary for the colonel. After obtaining her teaching degree, she taught in LaFayette for nine years and then moved to Northbrook School, Mendota where she taught for 31 years before retiring in June 1988. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, Mendota for 61 years, serving as deacon and elder. She also was a member of the National Education Association, Illinois Retired Teachers, and Chapter BV, PEO (Mendota). Ms. McLaughlin, as she was known by her students, had a passion for travel and loved to eat out. On a few of these excursions, she was accompanied by her students. She had a love for all and became the unofficial greeter at Stonecroft and then at Heritage Health. Rosalie always had a smile on her face and a kind word - she will be missed.

Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church.