Roxann “Roxie” Sothman, 65, was welcomed into heaven on April 14, 2026, surrounded by those who loved her.
She was born on April 29, 1960, to Donald and Yvonne Chase, the second of six children.
Roxie attended Imogene Catholic School, Shenandoah Public Schools, and Red Oak Schools, later earning her GED. She went on to continue her education at Iowa Western.
Roxie held many jobs throughout her life, but her true passion was in social work and as an alternative school teacher, where she supported and encouraged at-risk students.
Throughout Roxie’s younger years, you could find her “laying out” with friends and family, often at her mom’s house, enjoying music and good conversation. Her loved ones remember fondly her “cranking tunes” for all occasions, from cleaning the house to highway cruises. When Roxie was with her friends and family she was truly happy.
She had her daughter and best friend, Trisha, at a young age and the two shared a special bond as they grew up together. She later welcomed twin daughters, Gabrielle and Felesha—an answered prayer in her life—with her husband Jeff Petersen. In the years that followed, Roxie devoted herself to raising her daughters, creating a home filled with love and resilience. She did a wonderful job ensuring her daughters were independent, kind, and strong women. Roxie later married Brian Sothman, the love of her life, and they shared 12 years of “peaceful, easy” marriage together.
She enjoyed gardening and flowers—especially her beloved rose bushes—watching birds, and spending time outdoors. Where Roxie went, her beloved dog Bella was sure to follow, proving to be a wonderful companion for 18 years. Time spent on the porch or deck with family was especially meaningful to her. During the years that her children all lived close, she very much enjoyed visits from her family, facilitating a close bond with her two oldest grandchildren. At home in her later years, you could find her watching races and cheering on the Hawkeyes with Brian. They also enjoyed the outdoors together, often “gravel traveling” and spotting wildlife. She learned to enjoy hunting alongside him; he even taught her how to shoot. The two had fun wherever they went.
Roxie will be remembered for her love of family and the care she showed to others. Those who knew her will fondly recall her humor and laughter, which brought light to her family even in her last days. She is now at peace, welcomed into eternal rest and reunited with those who have gone before her.
She is survived by her husband, Brian Sothman; her children Trisha (Jason) Cook, Gabrielle (Jeremiah) Johnson, and Felesha (Jeremy) Petersen; her stepchildren Jon (Dee) Sothman, Spencer (Tabitha) Sothman, and Hunter (Kayleigh) Sothman; her grandchildren Kyra, Owen, Wessen, Barrett, Bridger, and River; her step-grandchildren; her siblings; and many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Jeff Petersen; her mother-in-law, Willa Petersen; and her brother, Lane, with whom she shared a very special bond.
Public visitation with the family will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, with a prayer service at 11:00.
Services are entrusted with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic.
