Our mother, Dorothy Louise Lohmeier McReaken, 95, found sweet rest with Jesus on Dec. 5, 2021. She lived her life as the wife of Dayton McReaken, a stay-at-home mother and homemaker, largely in West Frankfort, Illinois.
Briefly before marriage she worked in Chicago for the U.S. Office of Indian Affairs, a job she remembered proudly. For many years she served as a Sunday school teacher for young girls at the Third Baptist Church.
Dorothy's Christian faith was her constant guideline; her positive outlook and generous and compassionate spirit impacted all who knew her. She and her husband's home was always an open door for family, friends, her children's friends and many coal miners. An extra plate added to the dinner table or a fresh pot of coffee for guests were common in her home.
Later, when grandchildren and great-grandchildren visited, she always had a ready stock of treats for the little ones, frequently serving "tea" from a child's set of dishes.
Dorothy was the last of her generation of two large beloved families; she was preceded in death by her own parents, her parents-in-law, six of her own siblings, nine siblings of her husband, all her brothers and sisters-in-law, one nephew, and one great-niece.
Three children, whom she treasured, survived her: Darlene (Bill) Barr, Arthur (Marsha) McReaken and Amy (Dennis) Trinkle. Other dear survivors include nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, four nieces and nephews and their own families.
The family wishes to express special thanks and appreciation to the staff at Reflections Memory Care in Herrin, Illinois, where Dorothy has lived for the last few years.
Visitation and funeral services will be held at the Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m., with Dennis Trinkle officiating.
Burial will follow at the Denning Cemetery on the Orient Road.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Denning Cemetery Maintenance Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Due to the mandate reissued on Aug. 26, 2021 by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, masks must be worn at all times while inside the funeral home.
