Dorothy (Dottie) J. Pearson

Dorothy (Dottie) Jean Pearson, 98 1/2, of Bloomington, IL (formerly of Kansas City, MO) passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025 at St. John Francis Regis Parish, 8941 James A. Reed Road, Kansas City, MO 64138, gathering at 10:00 a.m., a Rosary will be prayed at 10:20 a.m., with Mass to follow; burial in Calvary Cemetery, 6901 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64131.

Dorothy was born November 5, 1926 in Mount Ayr, IA to Lloyd and Vera (Turner) Saltzman. She graduated high school in 1944 in Marshalltown, IA. During her senior year, she began working for the telephone company as a long distance operator. She moved from IA to Colby, KS where she met Johne Pearson, a local disc jockey and radio personality. After moving several times, Dorothy stopped working in 1957.

Dorothy and John (Johne) E. Pearson married on August 25, 1955 in Kansas City, Mo. He preceded her in death March 5, 2009. She moved to Bloomington, IL in 2012.

Dorothy and Johne were founding members of St. John Francis Regis Parish. While living in Bloomington, she attended Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

She was an avid KC Chiefs fan, enjoyed playing dominoes, loved dancing to and listening to big band music. She was a great cook, enjoyed gardening, and hiking in the Colorado mountains. And she loved being around and spending time with her family.

Dorothy is survived by her children: John Pearson of Bloomington, IL and Christy (Daniel) Ellwanger of Magnolia, TX; her grandchildren: Andrew (Mary) Ellwanger, Peter (Erin) Ellwanger, Gabrielle Ellwanger, John Paul Ellwanger and James Ellwanger; and five great grandchildren: Lucy, Noah, Joshua, Francis and Philip. Dorothy is also survived by a half sister, and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, step parents, and three siblings: Kenneth, Lloyd Junior (LJ) and Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dorothy's memory to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 711 N. Main Street, Bloomington, IL 61701. https://hsp-ht.org