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Dorothy Willis Obituary
PEORIA - Dorothy Evelyn Willis, age 88, of Peoria passed away Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, at 3:40 p.m. at Morton Villa in Morton after a long illness.
She was born Feb. 9, 1924, in Peoria to Henry and Mary (Baekes) Behm. She married Earl "Barney" Willis on May 10, 1947, in Peoria. He passed away June 2, 1972, in Peoria.
She was also preceded in death by five brothers, Pete, Wilbur "Farmer," Al, George "Bones" and Lyle "Tubby," and two sisters, Bernice Howard and a stillborn sister.
Dorothy enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Brad (Vickie) Willis of East Peoria; her grandchildren, Crystal (Bryon) Ray of Marquette Heights and Bradley (Krista Schuermann) Willis of Morton; and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Cliff Behm of Hanna City, and several nieces and nephews.
Dorothy worked at Hiram Walker for several years during the 1950s. Following Hiram Walker, she worked at Fleming & Potter, retiring in 1989.
Before getting married, Dorothy played on a women's professional traveling softball team, the Farrow Chicks. She later spent many hours volunteering at St. John's Catholic School while raising her son.
Dorothy's family would like to thank the caring staff at Proctor Home Health, Community Care, Vitas Hospice, and Morton Villa.
Funeral services will be Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012, at 3 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Visitation will be two hours prior to the services on Sunday at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.
Please view Dorothy's obituary online at www.Davison-Fulton-BartonvilleChapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Willis
Sheryl Lindee
August 19, 2012
Brad and family of Dorothy Willis. We are so sorry you have lost her. May she rest in Peace. Our thoughts are with you. Dale & Sherry Lindee
August 19, 2012
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Georgia Janson
August 18, 2012
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Carol Finney
August 18, 2012
Brad & family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!!!!
Mike & Carol Finney
Leslie Lutz
August 18, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you. It was a pleasure to get to know Dorothy for a short time. I've been thinking about her alot. She captured my heart and I really cared for her. Vickie, you were a wonderful caretaker and Dorothy loved and appreciated all that you and your family did for her! God bless you and give you His peace. Leslie Lutz - "The Nurse"
Donna Bates
August 17, 2012
Donna Bates
August 17, 2012
What an incredible women you were Aunt Dorothy. I am forever grateful that I had the opportunity to meet you. My mom Phyl Jutkins, has shared so many beautiful memories about you.
Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the many family members who are grieving at this time.
Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8
There are many family members with whom you are with now. Grandma Boone, Grandpa Behm, Char and Uncle Cliff.
Miss you all and look forward to seeing you again. <3
Phyl Jutkins
August 17, 2012
Brad and family;
May God's love help you through this and walk beside you and your family. We have
lost a great daughter, sister, mother and a
Aunt. All of her family will miss her
laughter and Joy I loved her very much.
Sis & family
Hal,Donna,Eddie,Patty,Duane,Heidi,Riley
and Josh
August 17, 2012
Brad, your entire Kroger family is with you in thought and in prayer as you go through this difficult time. Please know that you can call on any of us if you need anything.
JoAnn
August 17, 2012
Rest in peace Aunt Dorothy.
lisa Malcom
August 16, 2012
R.I.P Aunt Dorothy, you will be truly missed
ROBERT PORTER
August 16, 2012
BRAD AND FAMILY OURS PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. THE PORTER AND CISCO FAMILY
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