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UPDATE: Local woman finds mom after years of searching

A local woman’s search for her mother she hadn’t seen in 25 years has ended. Amanda Rottman, 35, of Coal Valley, was 10-years-old when she was separ...

A local woman's search for her mother she hadn't seen in 25 years has ended.

Amanda Rottman, 35, of Coal Valley, was 10-years-old when she was separated from her mom, Cheri Jo Allan, in 1989.

Click here for previous coverage of Amanda's search.

After more than two decades of no communication, Amanda spoke to her mom on the phone Friday, April 18, 2014.

"It was emotional for both of us," Amanda said as she wiped the tears from her face. "We both broke down many of times."

Amanda's husband, Lee Rottman, says he was about to lose hope on finding his wife's mother. Lee called the Burlington Police Department on Friday, April 18,  in hopes police could give him a tip on Cheri Jo's location.

He says the officer he spoke with said that he would do a wellness check on Cheri Jo's last known address. The officer knocked on Cheri Jo's door, but nobody answered. The Burlington officer was then notified by a neighbor that Cheri Jo does in fact live at that address.

Minutes later, Cheri Jo's boyfriend arrived at the home. Lee say's the officer explained that Cheri had a daughter in Illinois searching for her. Just minutes later, Lee received the call from Cheri Jo.

"At that point everything had just been lifted off of me," Lee said throwing his arms in the air.

The Rottman's are planning a family reunion with Amanda's mom and two sisters from Georgia she met in the fall of 2013.

"My sisters, who hadn't seen our mom since they were four, have also began talking to her," Amanda said.

An Easter weekend this family won't forget.

If you would like to help Amanda reunite with her family, click here.

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