Dorothy E. Mortell

Dorothy E. (Bastian) Mortell, age 92, of Hinckley IL passed away peacefully on September 23rd, 2025 at Prairie Crossing Assisted Living in Shabbona, Illinois. She was born April 10th, 1933 in Waterman Illinois to Earl & Alma (Klein) Bastian of Hinckley, Illinois.

Dorothy was raised on the farm in rural Hinckley and attended the Fay's School, a one-room schoolhouse on Governor Beveridge Highway. She graduated Hinckley High School in 1951. Following high school, Dorothy worked as a secretary and receptionist for various businesses, one of which was McWethy Brothers Insurance Company where she met her future husband. She married John Mortell on June 14th, 1958 at St Paul's United Church of Christ in Hinckley, IL. Together they raised two sons. Later in life Dorothy, along with her sister-in-law Delores Bastian and nephew Richard Manser established the Country Courier newspaper in Hinckley. Dorothy enjoyed visiting with family and friends and attending Waterman Bible Church.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband John Mortell, her parents Earl & Alma Bastian, her brothers and sisters-in-law Alvin & Evelyn Bastian, Wilbur Bastian, and Allan & Dorothy Bastian; and grandson Kyle Mortell.

Dorothy is survived by her brother Ronald (Delores) Bastian, sister-in-law Jane (Wilbur) Bastian; her sons Michael (Patti) Mortell, and Mark (Lisa) Mortell; Grandchildren Jared Mortell, Shelly (Kevin) Rod, and Cherise (Grant) Meadows; Great-grandchildren, Madison, Kaylee and Jeremy Rod and Noah Meadows as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, October 12th at 3pm at the Covenant Restoration Church, 181 N. Sycamore Street, Hinckley Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to Pacific Garden Mission or an organization of your choice.