Mrs. Dorothy Ilene Stegall, 99, formerly of Abingdon, Illinois, passed away at 1:38 pm Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the Knox County Nursing Home.
Dorothy was born January 6, 1926, in Cedar Township, Illinois the daughter of James and Ureta (Sheldon) Morse. She married Warren (Hen) Stegall on December 25, 1946, in Abingdon. After 54 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on November 28, 2000.
Surviving are her children, Gary (Marcia) Stegall, Terry (Sharla) Stegall both of Abingdon and Daniel (Cassie) Stegall of Oneida; two brothers, Rollin (Vera) Morse of Metamora, Illinois and Lyal Morse of McMinnville, Oregon; her sister-in-law, Phyliss Morse of Bartonville, Illinois; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband; three sisters, Ferne Duke, Shirley Bradford and Eleanor Roth; her brother, John Morse; her grandson, Michael Stegall and her special friend, Feree Hamman on August 14, 2011.
Dorothy was a lifelong resident of Abingdon, graduating from Abingdon High School in 1944 and Carl Sandburg College Nursing Program in 1967. She was a loving, caring mother, and farm wife. She began working for the Abingdon Grade School in the cafeteria. Dorothy later worked as a licensed practical nurse for Dr. Villanueva, Dr. Willander and the Care Center of Abingdon for over 30 years, retiring in 2006. Hen and Dorothy operated the Kamperstowne Campground from 1971 to 1985 and had very fond memories of Tommy Ronk and his bands playing at the campgrounds for many years.
Dorothy loved playing bridge and was involved in several card clubs. She was a member of the Abingdon Boat Club and a member of the Abingdon Christian Church. Dorothy played in several bowling leagues at Abbey Lanes in Abingdon and Northgate Lanes in Galesburg, winning several trophies. Dorothy and Hen also enjoyed a good round of golf with their friends Bev and Terry Reffett at the former Laurel Greens Golf Course.
Dorothy’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff and activity directors at the Knox County Nursing Home for their years of wonderful care and support for their family. Your kindness did not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated.
Graveside services are scheduled for 11:30 am Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Abingdon Cemetery, with Rev. Rick Warren officiating. Memorials may be made to the Knox County Nursing Home Activity Fund. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is assisting her family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com
