Mary Mildred Rule, age 99, of Monroe passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at Monroe Health Services. She was born the daughter of George and Clara (Miller) Miner on March 31, 1926 in Redwood Falls, MN. She graduated high school in Illinois. Mary was united in marriage to LaVerne Rule on April 27, 1945 in Galena, IL.

Her first job was at the Proving Grounds in Savanna, IL during World War II. After moving to Monroe, she worked as an Operator at Utelco Phone Company for over 30 years. She was a longtime member of St. John’s United Church of Christ; she was also a past member of the Monroe Garden Club. She enjoyed tending to her flower gardens, writing poems, and crafting. Mary lived a beautiful life throughout her nearly 100 years, she will be dearly missed by all those who knew her.

Mary is survived by her children, Linda (William) Deininger, Ed Rule, Donald (Karen) Rule all of Monroe, Larry Rule of Monticello, and Randy (Karla) Rule of Dakota, IL; 9 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, five sisters, son, Ricky Rule; and granddaughter, Julie Ostrander.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, January 30, 2026 at St. John’s United Church of Christ with Pastor Todd Hackman officiating.  Burial will follow service in Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Friday at the church from 10AM until the time of service.

Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shgfuneralhome.net.