Mary Lou Price

Mary Lou Price, age 81, of Arcadia, FL, gained her wings on May 11th, 2021.

Born May 15th, 1939 to Norman and Beatrice Toppins in Toledo, Ohio. In her early twenties she met and married Jack Rostetter (preceded in death) and together they had five children. After they divorced, Mary relocated to Port Charlotte FL in 1976 with her five children. She found employment in the home health field and soon after met her husband Thomas Price who passed in 2007, and gained a step-son. Mary is proceded in death by her four siblings. She is survived by her five children, Kelly Brister (spouse Thomas Brister), Kevin Rostetter (spouse Carolyn Rostetter), Robin Rostetter, Jack Rostetter (spouse Bobbie “Sis” Rostetter) and Anna Thompson (spouse Jared Thompson), Darren Price (step-son), eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

At the age of 54, Mary’s life was forever changed when she suffered a brain aneurysm and through the Grace of God, she was able to beat the odds and go on to live a wonderful life for another 27 years. A few years ago she was diagnosed with Dementia. Although it is such a debilitating disease, Mary never let it bring her down. She was always so happy and smiling.

She absolutely shined when we had family gatherings and all her kids and grandkids were around her. Even in her weakened state, she was still the monarch of our family and always led the dinner prayer (usually with tears in her eyes). As we are a musical family, Mary loved to sit and watch us sing or play an instrument. Often times she would even get up and sing or do a little “jig” as she would call it.

Mary has touched so many lives and was so very close with all her children and grandchildren. The grandchildren have all added a memory that I will now share…

“ I remember playing Super Nintendo with her and laughing until my stomach hurt. I will always remember her as a very sweet and gentle person. She was always there for you.” Sean Bean

“ Nana I liked laughing and joking with you and how very much you loved your family.” Joel Rostetter

“ One of my favorite memories of Nana is when she took a train to come and visit our family in Fayetteville for Christmas. She brought Dalton Rostetter with her and we had the most amazing time. We got to show her around our town and were able to create many memories with her during the holiday season. We spent our time joking around, laughing and cherishing our time together. My brother, Carson and I, did not get to see Nana as much as we would have liked due to our family living in a different state but the time we did get to spend with her was always filled with laughter and love. She raised the man I am lucky enough to call dad. She was the 2 first to greet and hug us at every family event with a huge smile on her face. Her smile lit up every room she was in. Nana was the head of the Rostetter/Price family. Without her I would not have the Aunts, Uncles and cousins I have had the pleasure of growing up around. Her absence on this earth is devasting but I know that she is with each and every one of us each day and her spirit will continue to live on through us.” Sydney Rostetter

“ My special memory with Nana was when Nana flew into Ashville for the weekend with us, she loved the mountains. It started snowing as we were walking around the Biltmore and we were sliding around because of it being so icy out. We laughed so much! We were all freezing and Nana saw an outside ice cream place and wanted to
eat there. We were all shaking freezing while eating ice cream. Her HUGS at Christmas were the best. I LOVE YOU NANA…..Fly high!" Carson Rostetter

“ Nana, you were the strongest woman I knew. You taught me so much about discipline, respect and dedication. Thank you for having such a big role in my life growing up.“ Aaron Thompson

“ Nana always had a smile on her face. She loved to tease and joke around. Her laugh would be my special memory.” Drew Thompson

“ There’s no “one thing” I can say about Nana, honestly. I’ll always carry the kindness she shared with me throughout the rest of my life. She was loving, good natured and somewhat of a goofball. All qualities I loved about her the most. I can only pray that I can make her proud and carry those same values, and so forth to my children.
I am certain she looks down on us as we mourn her passing filled with love from the impact she left with her friends and loved ones. There’s been no pain I’ve experienced greater than her passing, but there’s also relief knowing she deserves all that the next life has to offer.” Dalton Rostetter

“ This is one of the hardest things I have had to pull myself together enough to write. This amazing woman was the rock of our family. My best friend. Through a brain aneurysm, the loss of her husband and dementia, you never lost your amazing sense of humor and the ability to light up any room that you walked in. So many emotions run through my body when I think of you now and how you left this earth. I know the world will continue traveling around the sun without you. I also know that Papa is welcoming you with open arms. They say they you don’t know what you have until it’s gone…truth is I knew exactly what I had with you I just never thought I’d lose it. You are going to be missed by every single person you touched. Rest in Paradise Nana. I love you more. “ Leanna Thompson

“ Nana was always such a happy, caring and loving grandma. She loved sitting outside and watching me ride my dirt bike. When she lived in the 5th wheel on our property, I used to go down there and spend time with her usually falling asleep on 3 her couch. She always loved all the animals and was always making lots of jokes. I will miss you Nana.” Adam Thompson