Florence Dorries passed away on January 25, 2008 at the Breese Nursing Home in Breese, Illinois. She was born January 14, 1913 in Trenton, Illinois, the daughter of John Henry and Emma (Ohlemeier) Wehrmann. She attended St. Augustine Elementary School, Breese High School and graduated from Carlyle High School in 1931. At that time she began employment with the Mexican American Hat Company in Breese. On April 18, 1936 she married Lewis B. Dorries. Mrs. Dorries was a long time active member of St. John’s United Church of Christ. Having a great interest in education she took leadership roles in the PTA, Girl Scouts and 4-H clubs. Other interests included years with the Home Extension Service. She was a true homemaker who enjoyed cooking, especially baking Christmas cookies, a devoted gardener who grew, canned and froze fruits and vegetables and was an accomplished seamstress. She loved animals, had many pets and enjoyed bird watching and feeding. Being an avid reader she enjoyed testing her knowledge by watching TV shows such as Jeopardy. Additionally, she was a lifetime St. Louis Cardinal fan. Having great patience, grace and optimism her motto was to live and enjoy each day one day at a time. For these and many other attributes she will be remembered and cherished.

Mrs. Dorries was preceded in death by her husband of forty-five years on May 1, 1981, her brother, Eugene, and nephew, Donald Wehrmann, and other family members. Survivors are her son Robert and wife Marilyn of Houston, Texas, and grandchildren, Bruce (Olimpia), Evan (Alissa), Robin (Kevin) Welborn, and Susan (George ) Walker; daughter Carole and husband James Murphy of Kirkland, Illinois, and grandchildren Michael (Tanya), Tim (Jill), and Terry (Mary); son Clyde and wife Patricia, and grandchildren Jeffrey (Jill), Christopher (Chris), Craig (Cami); and her daughter Joyce Dorries of Breese. She also leaves twenty-two great-grandchildren and a nephew, Ronald Wehrmann of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan.

A memorial service will be held at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Breese, Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 2 p.m. Friends are invited for visitation with the family beginning at 1 p. m. Interment will be at St. John’s Cemetery in Breese. In lieu of usual remembrances, those desiring may make memorials to St. John’s United Church of Christ or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be received at the church or Hempen Funeral Home who is in charge of arrangements.