Dorothy M. Bridgwater

She was born in Springfield on August 16, 1938, the daughter of Clyde and Marie (Kerske) Betts. Dorothy married Donal Bridgwater on January 16, 1982, at Osage Beach, Lake of the Ozarks.

Dorothy graduated from Feitshans High School in 1956. She held various positions including working for the Illinois Agricultural Association (IAA), later serving as an underwriter for Horace Mann, and as secretary for Edinburg School. She was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Edinburg and the Lions Club. Dorothy loved gardening, flowers, and her cats. She cherished spending quality time and boating with her family and friends while living in Osage Beach, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donal; brother, Robert Betts; son, Robert Harrison III; and great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Turner.

Dorothy is survived by her sons, Timothy Hays of Belleville and Mike (Melinda) Harrison of Phoenix, AZ; daughters, Madonna (Robert) Gansbauer and Wendy (Mike) Gochanour, both of Mechanicsburg; sister, Donna Collins of Springfield; 10 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved cat, Willow.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 205 N. Campbell St., Edinburg, until the time of the Ceremony at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Gaylord Spilker officiating.

Burial will follow at Edinburg Cemetery. After graveside services, a luncheon will be held at the community building in Edinburg, 105 W Masonic St, Edinburg, IL 62531.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, PO Box 259, 205 N. Campbell St., Edinburg, IL 62531.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.