Dolly Lowry

Dolly Maydell Lowry (née Rouggly), 88, passed away on September 30, 2026, at St. Andrew’s at Francis Place in Eureka, Missouri.

Dolly was born on May 5, 1938, at her grandmother’s home in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Perry Rouggly of St. Louis, Missouri, and Frieda Fowler of Centralia, Illinois. The oldest of five daughters, Dolly grew up in South St. Louis and spent most of her life in the St. Louis area.

Dolly was loyal, hardworking and fiercely independent. She was also feisty and never afraid to tell you exactly what she thought. Those who knew her knew where they stood with Dolly. Her strength carried her through many seasons of life, including her battle with breast cancer, which she survived with the determination that was so much a part of who she was.

Above all, Dolly loved her family. Time spent with those she loved was precious to her, and in her later years she especially enjoyed simply watching her great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Amelia, play. They brought her tremendous joy.

Dolly was the mother of two children, John M. Dillmon (Angela) of Labadie, Missouri, and LaDonna Umbaugh of Bethalto, Illinois. She was blessed with four grandchildren, Robin Umbaugh, David Umbaugh, Jared Dillmon (Alyssa), and Aaron Dillmon, and two great-grandchildren, Wyatt Dillmon and Amelia Dillmon.

She also held a special place in her heart for Richard Umbaugh, Scott Umbaugh (Jeannie), Greg Umbaugh (Glicer), Sue Umbaugh, Chris Umbaugh, and Chad Umbaugh. Though life brought changes over the years, the love Dolly had for them remained, and they continued to be an important part of the extended family she cherished.

As the oldest of five sisters, family ties were woven throughout Dolly’s life. She was preceded in death by three of her sisters, Florence (Lee) Riccardi of St. Charles, Missouri; Barbara (Jessie) Howard of Wellsville, Missouri; and Rosetta (Bob) Borah of Atlanta, Georgia. She is survived by her youngest sister, Victoria (Dewayne) Grutel of St. Louis, Missouri.

Dolly was also preceded in death by her husband, William J. Lowry.

Among those who held an especially important place in Dolly’s life were her nephew, Greg Norris, with whom she shared a close bond, and her dear friend Carl Jimmerson. Carl and Dolly shared a friendship that spanned more than 20 years, and his friendship and companionship meant a great deal to her.

Later in life, Dolly came to know Jesus. Her family takes great comfort in knowing that the faith she found became part of her journey and in the hope and promise that her faith gives to those who loved her.

Dolly lived 88 years with strength, determination and independence. She loved deeply, worked hard, overcame adversity and remained unmistakably herself. She will be remembered for her loyalty, her feisty spirit, her devotion to her family, and the strength with which she faced life.

Dolly was laid to rest at St. Boniface Cemetery in Edwardsville, Illinois. Her family will miss her dearly and will carry her memory with them in the stories they share, the family she helped shape, and the generations who follow her.

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.