Dorothy S. Wise, a long time Springfield resident but recently of Des Moines, Iowa, died peacefully in her sleep Saturday morning, March 1. She was born October 17, 1924, in Virden, IL, the daughter of Joseph and Ann Sholtis. Dorothy attended Virden schools graduating from Virden Community High School in 1942. Following high school, Dorothy worked for the State of Illinois Department of Public Instruction and later for the United Mine workers where she served as secretary to United Mine Workers President John L. Lewis. On February 23, 1957 she married Dr. Ralph Waldo Emerson Wise. Dorothy raised seven children at the family home on Lake Springfield. Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband Ralph in 2003, her parents and her brother Damon Sholtis. She is survived by her children: Michael (wife, Shirley) Wise of Washington, MI, Perry (wife, Diana) Wise of Nemah, WA, Peter (wife, Cheryl) of Springfield, Lisa ( husband Alan) Rivers of Clive, IA, Philip Wise of Seattle, WA, James Wise of Springfield, and Mara (husband Nandi) Chenik of Beverly Hills, CA. Dorothy had eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Dorothy was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church, and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church of West Des Moines, IA, St. Theresa Guild, St. John's Samaritans, Friends of Memorial and Preceptor Upsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. Dorothy spent many happy years of golf and tennis with her friends. She enjoyed many years as a homemaker and raising her children at the lake. She served many years as a room mother at Little Flower School and at Rochester Grade School. Dorothy was one of Lake Springfield's finest water skiers. After her children were grown Dorothy studied piano and music theory at Lincoln Land Community College. She maintained an active life despite a stroke in 1994 that left her in a wheelchair. Manifestly she was a wife, mother, grandmother and friend without peer. Family will receive friends from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield, with Rev. Msgr. John R. Ossola celebrant. Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Hospital, 800 E. Carpenter St., Springfield, IL 62702 or to Church of the Little Flower School, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield, IL 62703.
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