Esther R. Dodge, age 90, of Naperville, formerly of Peoria, passed away on Friday, Dec. 12, 2014, at her home. Born Jan. 9, 1924, in Henry, Ill., to Eugene and Capitola (Smith) Rowe, she married Wilbur Dodge on Oct. 28, 1944, in Normal, Ill.
Surviving are her three children, Daniel (Sandee) Dodge of Naperville, Marsha (Paul) Melcher of Dover, Tenn., and Martha (Don) Noble of Morton; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Ellen, Elsie Jean and Eunice. Preceding her in death were her husband, parents and nine siblings.
Esther was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who devoted her life to raising her family. She grew up on a farm near Henry with 12 sisters and brothers and met her husband at Caterpillar in Peoria, where she lived the majority of her life, and spent her last years in Naperville.
Services are on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, at 12:30 p.m. at First Federated Church in Peoria, with visitation at 11:30 a.m. The Rev. Dr. Forrest Krummel will be officiating. Entombment will be at her husband's side at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army. Online condolences may be made through www.woolsey-wilton.com.
