Dorothy Jean Willhite, 83, of Freeport, IL, passed away on November 3, 2021 at Ascension St. Joseph's Village with her family by her side.

Born June 16, 1938 in Kent, IL she was the daughter of Katharine (Phillips) and Karl Strohecker. She was a graduate of Pearl City High School. She married Kenneth Willhite June 17, 1956 in Pearl City.

Dorothy worked many jobs over the years including the Pearl City library, State Bank of Pearl City, village treasurer, State Bank of Freeport and Crum & Forster, before finally retiring from Matthews Distributing.  Lifelong friends were the favorite part of her jobs. Dorothy was a member of Pearl City United Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, gardening, vacations with family and friends, the riverboat, card club, the Cubs, and the infamous lunches out with her mother and sister.

She is survived by her daughters Rae Ann (Rick) Heeren, Heyworth and Connie (Joe) Gastel, Belleville WI. Her brothers Jerry (Carol) Strohecker and Gene (Lenny) Strohecker, Freeport and many nieces and nephews. She had 5 grandchildren: Rachel (Lucas) Michel, Lexington KY, Ryan (Mercedes) Heeren, Normal, Reed Heeren, Heyworth, Cole Gastel who is serving in the US Air Force, South Korea, and Kendyl Gastel, Belleville WI, and 3 great grandchildren: Eliana & Norah Heeren, Normal and Jack Michel, Lexington KY. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth, son Joel, her parents, and sister Margie Snyder. There will be a gathering for family and friends at Schwarz Park Blvd. Chapel on Sunday November 14th. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm with a memorial service immediately after at 3:00. Rev. Diane Jochum will officiate. There will be time for fellowship and a light lunch following the service. The cremated remains of Dorothy and Kenneth will be buried at a later date.