Dorothy Pepple

1954 - 2025

Dorothy Pepple
Born: April 2, 1954 in Savannah Tennessee
Died: July 15, 2025 in Rockford, Illinois
Dorothy Ann Pepple (Melson), of Harvard, Illinois, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and love. Dorothy's genuine heart, sharp wit, and compassionate spirit touched countless lives, making her a beloved figure to all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Dorothy was a devoted mother to her sons, Jeremy Hopper (Mary) and Nathan Pepple (Lauren), and a grandmother to Hailey Hopper and Austin Roddewig. Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she poured endless love, kindness, and encouragement into nurturing them. Her unwavering support and pride in their accomplishments were a testament to her boundless devotion to her loved ones.
Known for her kind-hearted nature, Dorothy had a remarkable gift for forging lasting connections with everyone she met. Her infectious laughter, gentle demeanor, and genuine care for others left a lasting mark on her community. Whether offering a listening ear or a heartfelt smile, Dorothy's kindness knew no bounds, and her ability to make others feel truly valued was unparalleled. Dorothy worked at Kozy Nook restaurant in Harvard for many years.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Pepple, her parents, Frank and Susie Melson, and her brother, Bob (Sue) Melson. Dorothy is survived by her brothers, Larry (Sue) Melson, Roger (Rita) Melson, Jim (Lisa) Melson, Bill Melson, Frank (Jerri) Melson, and her sister Linda (Clell) Russ.
Dorothy will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on as a guiding light, inspiring all who knew her to embrace kindness, compassion, humor, and unconditional love. A celebration of her life will be held on August 2nd from 12 to 4 PM at the Trademark Events Center in Woodstock, Illinois located at 240 N. Throop Street, where family and friends will gather to honor her extraordinary legacy.