Dorothy Louise Small

Dorothy L. Small, 96 of Rockford, Illinois passed away on October 5, 2021, at Independence Village after a long battle with cancer. Born September 15, 1925, in Camden, Illinois. She was born on a family farm and graduated from Rushville High School in Rushville, Illinois. Dorothy moved to Rockford with her husband and twin daughters in 1956. Dorothy was a stay at home mom for several years and spent her time cooking delicious meals, sewing all of her girls clothes (and doll clothes), and being a wonderful, caring mom. As the girls got older, she worked at Amerock Corporation in the factory and then in the Purchasing Department. Where she met the love of her life, Bob Small. They married in 1972 and began a life hosting family and friend get togethers, attending many plays and musicals, traveling, and golfing every day in leagues or just together. Dot was very proud of her accomplishment in winning the city, county, and state championships in her age group and flight at the age of 70. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, her parents, Melvin and Hazel Vaughn, her 3 sisters, Vivian Ruth, Shirley, and Maxine and her 2 brothers, Sterling and Willard. Survived by daughters, Vonni (Earl) Trotter and Vicki (Donald) Bulger; brothers Keith Vaughn and Eldon Vaughn, 4 grandchildren, Skip (Kathy) Trotter, Eric (Connie) Trotter, Christopher (Sheila Cochran) McDonnough, and Matthew (Shelly) McDonnough; 8 great grandchildren, Jacob (Katherine) Trotter, Lauren Trotter, Cody Trotter, Cassidy Trotter, Chloe Trotter, Brooks McDonnough, Lexi McDonnough, and Caila (Jordan)Kearns; great great grandchild, Laiken Kearns, as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews. We wish to thank Independence Village, All Life Solutions, and Mercy Health Hospice, for their loving care to Dot and her family. Visitation will be at 10a.m. one hour prior to the service at 11a.m. on Tuesday October 12 at Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 N. Court St., Rockford IL 61103. The service will be followed by a graveside service at Willwood Burial Park, 7000 W. State St., Rockford, IL 61102.