Dorothy Jayne Prather-Fletcher Kimmel, 100, died peacefully at her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico on April 1, 2021. Dorothy was born to Grace and Willard Prather in Marfa, Texas-a Texas tale she was quite proud of. She resided in Belleville, Illinois until age 80 at which time she moved to Santa Fe to be near her daughter.
Dorothy enjoyed being a mother to her children. She devoted herself to her family and to many four legged creatures. Somehow all sorts of fury beings found their way into her welcoming arms. She surrounded family and friends with warmth and a quick wit. Her gracious manner was evident to all.
She is preceded in death by her husband Richard F. Kimmel and son Richard L. Kimmel. She is survived by her daughter Judith Kimmel of Santa Fe, grandchildren Kelley Rutherford of Belleville and Richard C. Kimmel of Granite City. She has 9 great grandchildren and 11 great, great grandchildren.
A special thanks for years of steadfast support is extended to Susan Rush, the essence of kindness and giving, and to Dee Duke the keeper of the family.
The family would like to thank members of the First United Presbyterian Church of Belleville for their remembrances and contact over the years. Thank you to Ambercare Hospice of Santa Fe and to Janet Smith, RN and Margaret Burke, RN for the attentive care and support.
Visitation: Visitation from 9:30 am – 10:30 am, Friday, April 9, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.
Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, April 9, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Alexandra Lysdahl officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
“Let the still small voice of the Beloved guide you by day
and comfort you at night;
Then you will be blessed and,
In turn,
you will be blessing to the world.”
Psalm 129 – Nan C. Merrill, Psalms for Praying
5 Comments To "Dorothy J. Kimmel"
#1 Comment By Brenda B Doll On April 6, 2021 @ 4:58 pm
To the Family of Dorothy Kimmel,
Please accept our sympathy upon the death of Dorothy. What a lovely, long life she experienced. May Jesus wrap you in His warm embrace during this sad time. God bless you all.
Roger & Brenda Doll, Members of FUPC
#2 Comment By Susan McEvilly Koehler On April 7, 2021 @ 10:27 am
Judy,
I was so amazed to see your mother had passed at 100! My mother, Gladys McEvilly, died in 2001 and then her sister Joyce Sullivan and Ellen Fouad following. These ladies spent many fun times with Dorothy here in Belleville. So glad that she had so many enjoyable years with you in Sante Fe.
Grew up on Hilldale and share memories with you and Pinkie Bishop of a simpler time. Still drive by our houses but of course changed.
My sympathy to your family.
#3 Comment By Kathy Walker On April 8, 2021 @ 6:24 pm
Dearest Dorothy,
Your elegance, style, beauty and loving Spirit will be missed. I will hold the magic
You brought anytime you entered a room!!
I love you,
Kathy Walker♥️♥️??♀️?
#4 Comment By Thomas L. Sweet On April 9, 2021 @ 8:00 am
Judy: Lots of good memories of your Mom and mine antiquing back years ago in Belleville and around .
Growing up on Hilldale is a great memory of your family and others.
May you take comfort and knowing your Mom had a full and loving life.
#5 Comment By Patricia Merritt On April 9, 2021 @ 10:30 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you bid Dorothy farewell, only until you meet again. Keep all your wonderful memories close to you, as they will comfort you.