Dorothy Ann McClerren's Obituary
Dorothy Ann McClerren, age 97, of Valparaiso, Indiana, formerly of Charleston, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Valparaiso, Indiana. She was born on July 15, 1928, in Marion County, Illinois, to Guy and Gail (Cash) Quick.
On August 19, 1951, Dorothy married the love of her life, Beryl Franklin McClerren, in Odin, Illinois. Together they shared nearly 70 years of marriage until his passing on June 16, 2021, building a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.
Dorothy is survived by her four children: Beryl McClerren Jr. of Hawaii, Robert (Dora) McClerren of Charleston, Illinois, Barbara (Jonathan) Truchan of Valparaiso, Indiana, and Jennifer (Lyle) Cahill of Loves Park, Illinois; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and her sister, Norma Abbott of Tucson, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Beryl McClerren; her granddaughter, Andrea Carter; her parents, Guy and Gail Quick; and three siblings, Marie Mason, Donald Quick, and Robert Quick.
Dorothy was a 1945 graduate of Sandoval High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She devoted her professional life to education, teaching in the Arcola School District after previously teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. Her love of learning and dedication to children left a lasting impact on the many students she taught throughout the years.
Dorothy and Beryl shared a unique and cherished pastime together, portraying Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln in their presentation, “A Visit with the Lincolns.” For more than 25 years, they traveled coast to coast bringing history to life, with Dorothy proudly portraying Mary Todd Lincoln. They also hosted and conducted “Red, White, and Blue Days,” celebrating American heritage and history for audiences of all ages.
A private graveside service will be held at 11:00 Wednesday the 21st of January at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Thompsonville, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the McClerren family and mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
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