Dorothy Alene Engelmeier, age 101, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Monday evening, October 21, 2024, at home.

      She was born November 9, 1922, in Cisne, the daughter of Charles and Lourena (Grove) Wood.  She was united in marriage to Frank Engelmeier Jr. on April 21, 1939, in Union City, Missouri, and together they shared 38 wedding anniversaries until his passing on January 31, 1978.

      Dorothy enjoyed gardening, scrapbooking, and often simply spending time at home with her family.  She was a devoted member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Flora where she had helped with countless church meals, kept the church clean, and always shared with others her steadfast faith in the Lord.  Her church family held a special place in her heart, and she cherished memories of the numerous outings with them that she had enjoyed over the years.  Dorothy was a wonderful cook and always had something ready when her family stopped by to visit.  She had even been known to make several different things just to please each one of them.   

      She is survived by 4 grandchildren: Rick Pearce, Lorna Warren, Lisa Smith, and Carrie Griffith; 10 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law: Linda Engelmeier; a special daughter of the heart: Barbara Prather; several nieces and a nephew; and her beloved cats: Bootsy and Smoky.

      She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; 3 children: Johnny Engelmeier, Lana Kay Engelmeier, and Charles Larry Engelmeier; 4 brothers: Ora, Robert, and Sammie Wood and David Owen; and 3 sisters: Esther Pyle, Helen Handlin, and infant sister: Jessie Ellen Wood.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Dr. Joel Hackney officiating.  Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 until 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to First Southern Baptist Church of Flora, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com