Dorothy E. Voyles

CHARLESTON, IL – Dorothy E. Voyles, age 96 of Charleston and formerly of Moline, Illinois, entered her eternal heavenly home on Sunday, May 10, 2020 while at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.  There will be services to honor and celebrate her life at a later time when it is safer for family and friends to gather.  Inurnment will be in the Oakridge Cemetery in Effingham, Illinois at a later date.   Memorials honoring her memory may be made to Riverside United Methodist Church in Moline, Illinois, the American Heart Association or the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.  Gifts may be mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, Illinois  61920.

Dorothy was born in Greenville, Illinois on August 18, 1923 to the late Forrest and Wava (Davis) Merry.  She was a graduate of Greenville High School and furthered her education at Eastern Illinois University where she received her bachelor’s degree, and went on to attain her master’s degree from Indiana State University.  She taught in several Illinois School Districts prior to her retirement. 

Dorothy was united in marriage to Harold Voyles in a June 17, 1942 wedding ceremony in Greenville, and they shared 33 years of marriage prior to his death in February of 1976.  Also preceding her in death were two sons, Dennis Voyles and Michael Voyles; her son-in-law, Jim Senior; a grandchild, Melissa Voyles; a great-grandchild, Zande Johnson; a sister, Pauline McNamara; a brother, Bill Merry; and a nephew, James Voyles.

Left to cherish many special memories is her loving and devoted daughter, Cathy Senior of Charleston; 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren which include Tricia (Jared) Essenpreis of Colorado and their children, Ella and Hunter; Greg Senior and his daughter Maya of Oregon; Kevin (Sohm) Senior of California; Jen (Mike) McGee of Iowa and their children, Tyler Herring, Megan Herring, Danielle Christenson, Max McGee and Izzy McGee; Stephanie (Dan) Schaefer of Iowa and their daughter Olivia Schaefer; and Marcie Johnson of Iowa and her children, Bailey Brush and Jace Johnson; and her sister, Betty Elam of Effingham, Illinois.  Dorothy has an extended family which includes a daughter-in-law, Suzanne Voyles of Iowa; 3 step-grandsons, Rob, Peter and Andrew Lank and their children, Nick, Alec, Lily, Hunter, Madison, Kinley, Levi, Finn, Jailyn and Axel; and an adopted grandson, Mark (Jessica) Pierce of Arizona and their children, Tanner, Chloe and Carla.  Dorothy was also loved by several nieces and nephews; Bobby McNamara, Mickie McNamara and Kaye (Marvin) Mitchell, all of Colorado, and Doug (Sallie) Phillips, Gary Phillips, Verla Voyles, David Voyles and Steve Voyles, all of Effingham, Illinois.

Dorothy was a woman of faith and a member of Riverside United Methodist Church in Moline, Illinois.  After locating to Charleston she faithfully attended Wesley United Methodist Church with her daughter, Cathy.  She held membership in Kings Daughters; Delta Kappa Gamma; and the American Association of University Women and was a past member of the Order of Eastern Star.

Dorothy enjoyed hobbies such as playing a good game of bridge, reading, playing BINGO, and when younger a round of golf.  Her television was usually tuned in to the news or a sporting event, and being from Greenville, she was undoubtedly an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. 

If writing a book about Dorothy’s life, it might be titled “Living with Laughter and Love”.  She was a bundle of joy and you were certain to share in some fun and laughter and know you were loved when in her presence.   She found a good piece of cherry pie to be irresistible and enjoyed many adventures with her daughter and traveling partner, Cathy.  Dorothy attributed her long life to having a good “belly laugh” every day and felt there was nothing wrong with treating yourself to having your hair done twice a week! 

Dorothy was blessed with many long and lasting friendships which she cultivated and nourished throughout her life.  Her family was dear to her and Grandma or “Super G” as she was affectionately known by some, were endearing words that she never grew tired of hearing.  It was not only her devout faith but her family from which she drew strength.  She felt blessed and was so thankful for their daily love and support.   Dorothy’s family and friends will truly miss this wonderful woman who showered their lives with love and affection. 

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