Dorothy Holt

GALESBURG --- Dorothy D. Holt, 96, of Galesburg died at 2:17 p.m. Wednesday, December 18 at her home. She was born February 2, 1917 in North Henderson to Herman P. and Martha E. Munson Devlin and married John W. “Jack” Holt on March 15, 1941 in Palmyra, Missouri. They divorced in 1971 and he preceded her in death in 1996. Also preceding her in death were her parents; three sisters, Lavonne, Glennis, and Ila; and three brothers, Herman, Jr. Frankie, and Lee. Surviving are two sons, John D. “Jack” Holt of Galesburg and Jarrie A. Holt of Elgin; two sisters, Annarose Rednour of Rio and Jeanne (Jack) Foster of Oneida; a sister-in-law, Bessie Devlin of Galesburg; two brothers, Cletus (Joyce) Devlin of New Windsor and Darrel (Martha) Devlin of Galesburg; nine nieces, seven nephews, many great nieces and nephews, and innumerable friends. Dorothy graduated from Alexis High School in 1934 and from Galesburg Cottage Hospital School of Nursing in 1940, where she received the Gertrude Carney Award for Excellence. She worked as an RN at Cottage Hospital and the former Mayo Hospital during World War II, continuing at Cottage into the 1960’s when she transitioned into private duty nursing. From 1973 to 1984 she owned and operated the Evergreens Shelter Care Home on West Main Street in Galesburg, realizing a lifelong dream. For many years Dorothy enjoyed sending birthday, Christmas, and anniversary cards to family and friends. She also loved playing Scrabble and Yahtzee with her sisters, and doing crosswords and find-a-word puzzles in quieter moments. Another favorite activity was taking car trips in the Western Illinois area with her sons. A funeral service is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Monday, December 23 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home. Pastor Mary Runge will officiate. A visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Fellowship and refreshments will follow at First United Methodist Church, 120 N. Kellogg Street, Galesburg. Cremation has been accorded following services with private family burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimers Association Central Illinois Chapter or to the Galesburg Rescue Mission. Expressions of sympathy may be given to the family at www.watsonthomas.com