Lillyth “Lill” Ed Rogers Kothmann, 88, of Menard, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Charles Kothmann; her daughters and sons-in-law, Merlina and Steve Gamel, Charla and Russell Bading, and Maela and Scott Edmonson; and grandchildren, Phillip and James Edmonson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mae and Merlin Rogers, and her precious grandchild, Lilly Joy Gamel.

Lill was born on June 12, 1937, to Mae Lehne and Merlin B. Rogers in Menard, Texas. A lifelong resident of the community she cherished, Lill attended Menard public schools from kindergarten through graduation, earning her diploma in 1955.

On December 27, 1958, in Menard, Texas, Lill married the love of her life, Charles Wilkes Kothmann. Their remarkable love story began in first grade and continued for 67 devoted years of marriage—a testament to enduring friendship, commitment, and deep affection.

Together, Lill and Charles raised three daughters—Merlina Ann, Charla Elehne, and Maela Katherine—all graduates of Menard High School. Lill dedicated her life to her family and was deeply involved in every facet of her daughters’ lives. She could be found at school parties, basketball games, band concerts, and countless other activities. She helped raise funds for band uniforms, faithfully kept her own version of the scorebook at basketball games, and organized endless concession stands to help pay for prom and other school events. Her devotion to her children and their community was unwavering.

Lill was a member of Calvary Episcopal Church in Menard. She also devoted over sixty years of service to the Order of the Eastern Star, Ft. McKavett Chapter #783, where she held numerous leadership positions. Her commitment to service extended to the Menard County Club, Texas Pecan Growers, and the El Camino Girl Scout Council, where she gave her time and talents. Lill was instrumental in the organization and success of the Menard Centennial celebration in November of 1971.

A woman of many interests, Lill loved playing cards and dominoes from a young age. She especially looked forward to Wednesday afternoon bridge games and spirited rounds of pitch at the river. Each summer, she organized family vacations to new destinations, thoughtfully planning every detail and creating lasting memories for those she loved. She held a special place in her heart for Ruidoso, where she delighted in attending the horse races and soaking in the mountain air.

Another great love of Lill’s was cooking. She was repeatedly asked to bring her famous chicken salad to bridal showers and parties, and it was simply understood that every holiday gathering required her to prepare it. Sharing food was one of the many ways she showed her love, and her kitchen was often the heart of family celebrations.

Lill had a deep love for fishing. Each spring, she could be found alongside her closest friends on the banks of the San Saba River, perch fishing with patience and purpose. She was often catching bait for the very long trotlines they would carefully set, all in hopes of pulling a big yellow catfish from the depths of their favorite fishing hole. Those days by the river were filled with laughter, storytelling, and the simple joy she found in the outdoors.

Creative and artistic, Lill was known for her painting, sewing, and decorating for special events. In later years, she crafted beautiful quilts and discovered a passion for scrapbooking, approaching each album as though she were designing a quilt—layering colors, patterns, and memories into works of art that will be treasured for generations.

Lill’s life was one of service, creativity, laughter, and steadfast love. She leaves behind a legacy woven with family devotion, community involvement, and countless beautiful memories. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and caregivers of Menard Manor for the compassion, dignity, and gentle care they provided to our mother in the final days of her life. Your kindness, patience, and attentiveness brought comfort not only to her, but to our entire family. We are deeply thankful for the love and respect you showed her, and we will always remember the tenderness with which you walked alongside her—and us—during this sacred time.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Calvary Episcopal Church. Burial will follow at the Ft. McKavett cemetery.

Pall bearers will be Tommy Hough, Bruce Hough, Joe Hough, Jay Woolf, Cody Speck and Norman Tanner.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Lilly Joy Scholarship Fund. Donations can be sent to the following address: Mason Bank, Attention: Amanda Mc, PO Box 1789, Mason, Texas 76856. Other donations can be made to Calvary Episcopal Church in Menard.

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Kimble Funeral Home. (325) 446-3076