Deborah J. Rothermel, 61, of Belvidere, died Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at O.S.F St. Anthony Medical Center from injuries sustained in an auto accident. She was born January 29, 1950 in Belvidere, Illinois; the daughter of Donald H. and Norma J. (Stimes) Gesell. Debby was a graduate of Belvidere High School, Class of 1968 and received her Bachelor's degree in Education from Illinois State University in 1972. She married Bruce P. Rothermel in Belvidere, Illinois on November 25, 1972. Debby was employed as a bookkeeper for the Home Depot in Rockford. Previously she was employed at Sam's Club. Debby was a member of the Belvidere Junior Women's Club with many of her close friends. Together they volunteered in the community in places such as Meals on Wheels, Pettit Chapel and the Salvation Army. Debby enjoyed cruising the Seven Seas with her friends and just a month ago fulfilled a life long dream of cruising to the Mediterranean. Debby loved collecting treasures of all kinds at garage sales and antique malls: Hallmark Merry Miniatures and Vintage Fisher Price toys were her favorites. She was also an avid reader. Debby was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and wife and will be greatly missed. Debby is survived by her husband, Bruce, of Belvidere; a son, Matthew P. (Heather) Rothermel of Loves Park, a daughter Amanda J. (Mark) Richardson of Rockford; five grandchildren, Quinn Rothermel, Seth Richardson, Sawyer Rothermel, Keeley Richardson, and Ryan Grace Rothermel; her mother Norma Gesell; her mother-in-law Wanda Rothermel; her five siblings, Marsha (Byron) Mehl, Jim (Maureen) Gesell, Barbara (Bill) Way, Thomas (Darlene) Gesell and Arthur (Brigid) Gesell. She also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceeded in death by her father and father-in-law, George Rothermel and her grandparents.

In lieu of gifts the family is asking for donations to be made in her name to the Salvation Army.