Mrs. Dorothy I. Selander, 98, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 11:52 pm on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Settler’s Grove Assisted Living Center (formerly Courtyard Estates-Knoxville) surrounded by the comfort of a life well-lived.
Dorothy was born on August 7, 1927, in Prairie City, Illinois, the daughter of J. Glenn and Gladys M. (Orwig) Calhoun. She grew up in Prairie City and graduated from Prairie City High School in 1945. Soon after, she began her working career as a clerk for Block and Kuhl and later for National Bank, where she was known for her dedication and friendly nature.
On May 9, 1948, Dorothy married the love of her life, Donald G. Selander, in the Presbyterian Church in Prairie City, a double wedding with her sister, Evelyn Calhoun and Dale Carlson. Together, they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage filled with devotion, partnership, and countless cherished memories until his passing on April 8, 2012.
Dorothy’s life was centered around her family, and she took great pride in being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is lovingly survived by her sons, Tom (Becky) Selander of Des Moines, Iowa, and Gary Selander of Galesburg; her daughter, Nancy (Gary) Ebersole of East Galesburg; five grandchildren, Sarah (Scott) Wooldridge of Galesburg, Aaron (Chie) McNaught of Thousand Oaks, California, Eric (Alyss) Selander of Des Moines, Justin (Elvith) McNaught and Andrew Ebersole both of Galesburg; and nine great-grandchildren, Jordan (Heather) Galle, Krayson Wooldridge, Ian Galle, Halden Selander, Otis McNaught, Maya McNaught, Jonas McNaught, Caulder Selander and Flora McNaught all of whom will carry forward her legacy of kindness and quiet strength. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Donald, her sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Dale Carlson, son-in-law, Michael McNaught and her granddaughter, Kristina Galle.
A woman of deep faith and generous spirit, Dorothy was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church most of her adult life. She found great joy in teaching Sunday school and helping with Bible School, sharing her faith and gentle wisdom with generations of children. She also treasured her time with the church quilting club, where friendships were stitched together as lovingly as the quilts themselves. In 2019, she became a member of Bethel Baptist Church.
Dorothy was not one to sit still, she was deeply involved in her children’s lives, serving as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts and actively participating in PTA activities. Her giving nature extended beyond her family, as she volunteered faithfully at Galesburg Cottage Hospital for over 34 years, touching countless lives with her kindness and compassion. In quieter moments, Dorothy found joy in reading, doing puzzles, creating cards and had a special passion for researching her family’s genealogy, carefully preserving the stories and history of those who came before her. She even had international ties with her genealogy research. She had a thoughtful, steady presence and a warm heart that made others feel welcome and cared for. Dorothy’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Settler’s Grove Assisted Living and Hospice Compassus for their loving care.
Visitation is scheduled from 9:00-10:30 am Friday, April 24, 2026, at Bethel Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 10:30 am at the church with Pastor Kevin Fogarty officiating. Burial will be in Knoxville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, Galesburg Rescue Mission or to Betty’s Garden within the Settler’s Grove Assisted Living Center. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services, Galesburg Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com.
