Caledonia, IL

Dorothy I. Ward, 86, of Caledonia passed away, Tuesday afternoon, August 21, 2018 at the family farm in Caledonia, IL attended by her loving family.  Dorothy was born October 12, 1931 in Rochelle, IL the daughter of Wayne and Ila (Harrolle) Baker.  After graduating from Beloit High School, Dorothy earned her teaching certification from Whitewater College, WI.  She taught at Manchester Elementary School for several years before marrying Wilfred Wayne Ward on June 30, 1956 in Beloit, WI.  While raising her children, Dorothy substitute taught and cared for her family.  She enjoyed being involved in her children's school activities, cooking for her family, spending time with her grandchildren and watching birds.

Dorothy is loved and will be missed by her children, Pamela Ward of Durand, IL, Donald (Lee) Ward of Caledonia, IL, Bonnie Harms of Roscoe, IL, Kerry (Brad) Crull of Poplar Grove, IL, Jayne (Jim) Ries of Caledonia, IL; grandchildren, Daniel (Allison) Ward, Raeanna (Mark) Schreck, Katie Gee, Becca (Andrew) Ang, JC (Allison) Harms, Carson Harms, Kyle (Kim) Crull, Collin (Ashley) Crull, Cara (Seth) Peikert, Michael (Courtney Kozeluh) Ries, Matthew (Nicole Bird) Ries, Jessica Ries; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Harrolle "Bake" Baker of Ft. Atkinson, WI; sisters, Wanda Lou Baker Roeck of Hayward, WI, and Barbara Lynn Stegmann of Hawthorne, WI.  Dorothy is predeceased by her parents; husband of 62 years, Wayne; brother, Wayne Baker, Jr.; sisters, Deloris Masear and Donna Leathers.  The family acknowledges the love and care given by Northern Illinois Hospice and her special caregivers, Samantha, Kristen, Angie, Kari and Kay.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at Hunter United Methodist Church, 3315 Hunter Road, Caledonia, IL  61011, with Memorial Service at 6:30 p.m., with Rev. Tom Hay officiating.  Burial of Dorothy's cremated body will be at Livingston Cemetery. Memorials in Dorothy's name can be given in care of Northern Illinois Hospice, 4215 Newburg Road, Rockford, IL 61108 or Alzheimer's Foundation at www.Alzfdn.org.  Arrangements by Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008.  To light a candle or to share a remembrance, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com