Dorothy Rae Willis

Dorothy Rae Willis (née Renner) Age 89, of Godley, IL, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026, at her home with her family by her side. Born on June 28, 1936, Dorothy was the daughter of John and Eldora (née Dixion) Renner. Dorothy married Frank T. Willis on July 3, 1954, and together they made their home in Godley, IL, where they raised their family and shared 71 loving years together. Dorothy was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, and working puzzles. Caring for her family was one of the greatest joys of her life, and she was especially involved in the lives of her grandchildren, helping care for them throughout the years. Dorothy had a kind and nurturing heart and was deeply loved by all who knew her. Survivors include her loving husband, Frank T. Willis; her son, Richard (Theresa) Willis; grandchildren, Scott (Sheila) Willis, Bonnie S. (Jamie) Bender, and Stephanie (Gary) Zidek; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Willis, Lorissa Willis, Tyler (Jade) Duha, Breanna Willis, and Julian Zidek; great-great-grandchildren, Raelynn Duha and Emerald Hamilton; as well as several nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Paula (née Willis) Grant; her sister, Dixie L. Renner; her aunt and uncle, Pauline and James Kilpatric; and her granddaughter, Wendy L. O’Donovan. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Bonnie S. Bender for all of the love, care, and kindness she showed Dorothy throughout the years. The family also wishes to thank the Candlelight Home Healthcare team, especially Lisa and Taryn, as well as the entire Uplifted Care Hospice team, including Faith, Brandy, Carla, Lora, Brittany, and Olivia, for the compassion, comfort, and care they provided to Dorothy and her family during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dorothy’s memory may be made to Candlelight Home Healthcare L.L.C., 115 S. Broadway St., Coal City, IL 60416, or to Uplifted Care Hospice, 482 Main Street NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914, in appreciation of the kindness and care shown to Dorothy and her family. Visitation for Dorothy Rae Willis will be held at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Braidwood, IL. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit Dorothy’s online guestbook at www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find us on Facebook. R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory 401 E. Main St., Braidwood, 815-458-2336 www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com

Dorothy Rae Willis

June 28, 1936 - May 25, 2026

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Dorothy Rae Willis

June 28, 1936 - May 25, 2026

What We Do

Local Florists

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About Us

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Grief & Healing

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