Dorothy H. Wire

Springfield, Illinois – Dorothy Helen Wire, allegedly 95 (despite trying to keep her year of birth an absolute secret), passed away peacefully at Regency Care on December 15, 2024, with her husband and granddaughter at her bedside. Dorothy’s life was full of love for her family and friends, and she exemplified living life to the fullest, a proponent of eating dessert before dinner.

Dorothy was born on December 11, 1929, in Litchfield, Illinois, the daughter of George and Georgia (Jeary) Nimmons. She graduated from Litchfield High School.

Dorothy met her husband, Robert Wire, in 1964 while working for Litchfield Mayor Lou Yeager. Excited to start their new lives together, the two married on August 15, 1965, in Litchfield, Illinois, and honeymooned at the family cottage on Hamlin Lake in Michigan. Shortly after, they saw a then up-and-coming female group, The Supremes, perform. They continued their love of good music and dancing throughout their marriage as members of the Nighthawks. Dorothy and Robert had two children, Janice and Donald. The family loved vacationing together, from Mount Rushmore, to sailing the British Virgin Islands and from the North Chanel in Canada, to enjoying sunsets in Cancun. Dorothy and Robert also loved horse racing - the Kentucky Derby and Keeneland were their favorites.

Although Dorothy loved her daughter and son, it was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who could do no wrong. She truly treasured her time with them and loved being their Nana, never failing to cave in to their requests for McDonalds, shuttle them around town, teach them new things, attend recitals and sporting events, appreciate their art and music, and spoil them with her “mad money”.

Dorothy loved any reason for a party and welcomed a chance to entertain every chance she got. She will always be remembered for her penchant for fashion and her wit, always dressed to the nines and quick to crack a joke. Everyone who knew Dorothy knew how much she loved playing bridge - especially her favorite hand of three no trump. While winning was a highlight, she was content to win the “booby prize”.

Dorothy enjoyed good food and a nice glass of wine, and held a membership at Island Bay Yacht Club. She was active throughout the years in various civic organizations, including The Questers, and Illinois Wives of Professional Engineers. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; brothers (George, Warren, and Byron Nimmons); sisters (Addie Sammons and Margaret Elliott); and first husband (Lyman A. Henry, Jr.).

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Robert Wire of Springfield; daughter, Janice Schramm (husband Rick) of Springfield; son, Donald Wire (wife, Melissa) of Zeeland, Michigan; grandchildren, Kristen McDaniel (husband, Jessey) of Lexington, Kentucky, Courtney Yazzie (husband, Lawrence) of Clemson, South Carolina, and Selah and Paxton Wire of Zeeland, Michigan; and great-grandchildren (Skyler, Sage, and Pearce Yazzie).

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Gathering and Celebration of Life: Family will receive friends from 2:30 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield. A Celebration of Dorothy’s Life will begin at 4:00 p.m., with Rev. Susan Phillips of First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Central Illinois Foodbank or the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.

The family would like to thank the Regency Care staff and Heartland Hospice for their great care.

We could not have asked for a better wife, mother, and Nana. She was truly one of a kind and she loved deeply. We will miss Dorothy every day, and her memory will live on in our hearts. “Unforgettable, that’s what you are. Unforgettable, though near or far.”