Dorothy C Weeks

Dorothy C. Weeks, 100, of Springfield, IL passed away at her residence on Wednesday February 17, 2021.

Dorothy was born in Hillsboro, IL on September 7th, 1920 the daughter of Theodore and Nellie (Rhinehart) Cramer.

After growing up in Hillsboro, she moved to Springfield where she met and married her husband, Bill Weeks. They were married on July 12, 1944.  Dorothy worked with her husband at Weeks Seat Covers in Springfield for many years.

A Family Story:

The world has lost a shining light. I met Dorothy Weeks, Grandma, 30+ years ago. She welcomed me into her family with open arms, just because I was a friend - and later, a wife - to her grandson. She was one of the kindest, most loving GIVERS I have ever known, and she will be sorely missed. It is a hole that will never be filled.

Grandma was not my biological grandma. However, she earned that name. She was the grandma that always had every single favorite thing ready for us when we pulled up. For us, it was egg nog and chocolate milk for Bill, Baskin Robbins' Rocky Road for me, and a blazing fire in the fireplace. Sometimes, it wasn't cold enough for that fire, but we smiled, and we enjoyed it anyway. When it was time to leave, she gave you bags and boxes full of your favorite treats for you to take home. Heaven help you if you tried to turn her down. I crashed many diets on Grandma's homemade Chex Mix! And I still make her homemade salsa! She taught me the importance of using fresh vegetables and ingredients, instead of powders and potions.  

Grandma knew everything about us; she listened and remembered. She made you feel like you always had a cheerleader rooting for you, and she made you feel like everything you did was special. I washed her dishes, and I would hear about it for years. When we gave her a blouse or sweater for Christmas, she wore it when you visited and told you all over again how much she loved it. If you gave her a homemade gift basket, or made a flower arrangement, it would be brought out for each holiday and fussed over all over again.  

Grandma was big into travel. She went to places like Africa, Haiti, Bermuda, Switzerland, and many more. She brought back something for all of us each time! I can't even imagine how that little tiny lady managed to lug back all of those souvenirs every time. But she did it!  

Grandma's family knows she loved them. Of that, there was never a doubt. She stocked cereal for her grandsons. She stocked soda for all of us. And she usually had our ice cream flavors in the freezer. She cared. She loved. She will be so missed! I will never think about Christmas and not think of Grandma! She made Christmas a special experience every year!  

I thank God for this woman! He filled her with so much, and she shared it with all of us! She was strong (she owned and ran her own upholstery shop with her husband and later by herself, after he passed on). She was generous (after college, she let us move in with her and was so disappointed when the time came for us to leave). She was a health nut (she walked 4 miles in her 90s and did yoga!). She was determined (she recovered from a pelvic and back fracture and continued her walking despite being over 80 for both). She was a good friend (Grandma had so many friends. She played bridge with a group of women. She frequently traveled with friends. She had friends who gave her apples from their trees, flowers from their garden, cookies, pies, and cakes). She was encouraging (always believed in all of her grandkids and their significant others, sending us cards and usually money for every holiday). She was so, so loving. Words can't even describe.    

Grandma celebrated her 100th birthday in September this past year. She was blessed with many years and good health for nearly every one! My prayer is that I will be even half of the blessing to the people in my life that she was to us. She set the bar high. And even despite her age, it still feels like she is gone too soon. I am so, so grateful to have been placed in her orbit during this life.    

Grandma, we'll see you in Heaven!

She was a member of many organizations; the American Legion, Elks Club, Eastern Star, and the Traveling and Walking Club. During her time with the Traveling and Walking Club, Dorothy traveled across the nation and around the world. She visited many other counties and was well traveled. 

She was preceded in death by her husband on September 7, 1987 as well as her parents.

Dorothy is survived by her sons, Bill Weeks (wife, Judy) and Rodney Weeks (wife, Delilah); grandchildren, William Weeks, Sarah Heany, Rodney Weeks, and Matthew Weeks; as well as several great grandchildren.

Visitation for Dorothy will be held at Ellinger-Kunz and Park Funeral Home 530 North 5th St. Springfield, IL 62702 on Wednesday February 24 from 9:00 a.m. till the time of the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Dorothy will be laid to rest at Oakridge Cemetery at the conclusion of the funeral services.

The Funeral Home will be observing all current CDC and State Guidelines in regards to COVID-19 and social distancing. Please wear a mask when entering the funeral home.

Pastor Doug Morrow of Springfield Southern Baptist Church will officiate.

Memorial donations may be made to the Springfield Southern Baptist Church, 225 N Grand Ave E., Springfield, IL 62702.

Funeral Services will be Live Streamed Via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/ellingerkunzandparkfuneralhome

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