Mary Louise Raterman

Mary Louise Reser Raterman, age 93, left this world peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2026, surrounded by family. She was a woman of uncommon intelligence, quiet courage, and steadfast determination. These qualities shaped her life and all who knew her.

Mary Lou was born February 20, 1932 and grew up in Sidney, OH as one of four children of Elmer J. Reser and Verlina (Busse) Reser. She is preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, James E. Reser, Richard L. Reser, and John J. Reser, and son Michael G. Raterman.

Mary Lou approached each day with a thoughtful mind and a resilient spirit. She had a remarkable ability to face challenges with grace and conviction. Her quiet determination was a steady force deeply felt by family and friends who were fortunate to walk through life beside her.

Her passions brought her joy and peace. She loved the calmness and serenity of the beach in Naples, FL, where she lived prior to retiring in Tampa. She was an accomplished pianist and played the organ and sang at Catholic masses and weddings at Holy Angels parish in Sidney, OH, where she was also class valedictorian at Holy Angels High. She furthered her education at Bellarmine College in Louisville, KY and also the OLLI group for senior students at the University of South Florida. She was an avid reader, endlessly curious and always eager to learn. She was a member of various book clubs in the Tampa Bay community. After retirement, she devoted her time and energy to causes close to her heart. She volunteered at the Straz Center for the Arts and St. Josephs’s Hospital North in Tampa.

Mary Lou is survived by her son Daniel P., his wife Carmen, granddaughters Natalie E. of Boulder, CO, Carmen S. of New York, NY, and Ava D. of Tampa, FL. Three cherished goddaughters survive: Nancy Hemmert Willerth of St. Augustine, FL, Elina Blain of Springfield, OH, and Ellen Hemmert Piepenbrink of Rododendron, OR.

Also surviving are sons Jerome R. and Stephen J. Raterman, daughter in law Helene, grandchildren Laura, Stephanie, Michael, Kaitlyn, and Courtney Raterman.

Mary Lou drew strength and inspiration from her favorite quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

“To laugh often and much;

to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false family and friends;

to appreciate beauty;

to find the best in others;

to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.”

These words reflected her own way of seeing the world. For her family, her legacy is one of resilience and quiet determination. Though we will miss her beyond measure, we take comfort in the richness she brought to our lives and the many ways in which her life lessons will continue to guide us.

Memorial Service is being planned and will be updated once finalized.

Interment will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Ft. Laramie, OH.