Dorothy (Stout) Mitchell Abel King

PEORIA ~ Dorothy P. King of 3317 North Western, passed away at 10:42 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010 at Pekin Hospital. She was 92.She was born Nov. 27, 1917 to Cleo Elton and Mamie Elizabeth (Hodson) Stout of East Peoria. She married Alfred J. Mitchell in 1937. They had one son, H.J. "Mitch" (Pat) Mitchell of Pekin. He survives. Also surviving are two sisters, Bernadine Marteness of Green Valley and Dolores Danz of Cazenovia, WI and a "very" dear friend of 35 years, Judy Crowe of Peoria. Judy was like a daughter to Dorothy, and Dorothy like a mother to Judy. They were close! There are also several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Elsie Stout and three husbands, Alfred J. Mitchell, Louis R. Abel and Raymond H. King.Dorothy attended East Peoria Community High School graduating in 1935, with the honor of Valedictorian. This provided a Scholarship to Bradley. She attended for one year, studying nursing, then, was forced to withdraw due to lack of finances.When her husband, Alfred Mitchell, left Caterpillar to join the Air Force during World War II she began working at Caterpillar as a timekeeper. Later, she left Cat to work for ABC Washing Machine Co. in East Peoria. When ABC went under, she began working at the Peoria State Hospital as a Psychiatric Aid. When it closed she moved to the Galesburg State Hospital. When it closed she moved to Zeller Zone in Peoria and retired with 25 years of service prior to its closing!She enjoyed traveling in their motor home, spending winters in Florida and gardening. She loved flowers and caring for her Dachshunds.Dorothy was a sweet lady with a big heart. This made her an easy target for unethical people. She was a good listener, great friend and mother. She was in the hospital 7 times since April and most of the nurses loved taking care of her. Some nurses at Methodist even requested her. She was poked and prodded for 5 months and never complained.She was a member of Northwest Baptist Church in Peoria. She was a wonderful caring person and will be missed by friends and family.Her funeral will be 11 a.m. Thursday, September 9, 2010at Northwest Baptist Church in Peoria. The Rev. Richard E. Springsteen will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Fon du Lac Cemetery in East Peoria. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.Memorial contributions may be made to her church, 5430 North Big Hollow Road, Peoria, IL 61615-3302.