Dorothy Urfer

Dorothy Jeanne Marie (Pacatte Ridings) Urfer, surrounded by her family went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Funeral services will be held 11:30 p.m. Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Donnell – Wiegand Funeral Home, 203 West Oak Street, Greenville, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Greenville. Memorials are available in memory of Dorothy to the charity of your choice.

Dorothy was born December 1, 1930, daughter of Charles and Rilla Munson Pacatte. She attended the local schools in Greenville and graduated from Greenville High School.

Dorothy continued her education and attended Nursing School for a short time before she married Urban Ridings on June 23, 1950. They enjoyed 47 years of marriage before his passing in 1997. She was remarried to Arthur Ray Urfer on July 12, 2003, and was married 21 years before his passing in 2024.

Surviving are her five children: Daniel (Ewa) Ridings of Lindome, Sweden, Karen (Greg) Behm of McHenry, Illinois, Kathy (Frank) Valentini of Elgin, Illinois, Lenny Ridings of Marion, Arkansas, and Tom Ridings of Bartlett, Illinois and 2 step-children; Brenda (Craig) Elliot of Englewood, Florida and Brian Urfer of Marengo, Illinois, 2 sisters: Christine (Andy) Barber of Merritt Island, Florida and Sue (Larry) Bultman of Nekoosa, Wisconsin. Also survived by 14 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren who were all the joy of her life as well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents, husbands, grandson Nathan Ridings, and her sisters and brothers.

While she worked for State Farm in Owasso, Oklahoma and Conservative Baptist Foreign Misson Society in Wheaton, Illinois during her lifetime, her ambition in life was to be a mom for which her children are forever grateful for the legacy she has left behind.

When she was asked what advice she could leave for a younger generation her response was: “I’ve walked with Jesus my whole life and He has never let me down, I can’t imagine going through life without Him.” This encapsulates her life story. Her faith and her family were the foundation of who she was. Dorothy was active in her local church with volunteering in several different ministries and went to Haiti on a Mission Trip. She was a sponsor of several World Vision children, donated to the Mercy Ship Organization, The Billy Graham Association, Samaritan’s Purse, as well as donating to her grandchildren’s Mission Trips and nonprofit organizations 222 (which supports Seminary students) and Rising Lights a ministry dedicated to serving adults affected by disabilities.

She enjoyed sewing which was put to use with all the Halloween costumes she made for her grandchildren. Dorothy enjoyed card making, painting, and anything crafty. She was an avid walker and was walking 3 miles a day into her 90’s. She enjoyed reading and working puzzles. Dorothy will be remembered for the songs she sang to her grandchildren, “How much is that doggy in the window, Mr. Sandman, and Playmate”.

There are no words to describe the hole she has left in our lives but because of her faith which has been passed down through the generations we know that this is temporary separation and we grieve with hope knowing with full confidence we will be together again.

Today we celebrate a life well lived.