Dorothy Ann Stehl, 89, of Bushnell, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Dorothy was born on September 5, 1936, in Maquon, the daughter of Herbert Leslie and Mable Vera (Hatch) Rock. She graduated from Spoon River Valley High School in 1954. On Feb. 11, 1960, she married Glenn B. “Ben” Stehl in Cupertino, CA. Together, they shared a life centered around family until his passing.
Dorothy began her working years at Kirby Diner in Bushnell and later worked at Blue Bell Manufacturing. She then began a long career with C.S. Norcross & Sons Co., later known as Norforge & Machining Inc., where she worked for 42 years before retiring in 2001.
Above all else, Dorothy loved her family and firmly believed in the importance of family. She was described by those who loved her as the best wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother anyone could ask for.
Dorothy loved to cook, but she especially enjoyed baking. Her family will long remember her homemade bread, rolls, cinnamon rolls, noodles, German chocolate cake, and ice cream. Some of her most treasured moments were spent in the kitchen baking alongside her great-granddaughter, Michaela, creating memories and traditions that will continue for generations.
Dorothy was a member of the Bushnell Christian Church. She is survived by her daughter, Penny Thompson of Bushnell; granddaughter, Lauren (Joshua) Pollard of Peoria; three great-grandchildren, Joshua David Pollard Jr., Theo David Pollard, and Michaela Rae-Ann Pollard; and her siblings, Lois Stegall of Creve Coeur, Herbert Rock of Rapatee, Virginia Ackerson of Avon, and Harold (Joanne) Rock of East Peoria and special nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Glenn B. “Ben” Stehl; her infant daughter, Pamela Sue Stehl; her son-in-law, Michael Thompson; her sisters, Alberta (Les) White and Janice (James) Hancock; her infant brother, Richard Rock; her brother, William (Donna) Rock; brothers-inlaw, Glenn Stegall and Gaylord Ackerson; and sister-in-law, Audrey Rock.
Dorothy will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her strong work ethic, and the countless ways she showed her love through the simple things she did for those around her. Her kitchen was a gathering place, her family was her greatest joy, and the traditions and memories she created will continue to be cherished by those who loved her.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at Martin-Hollis Funeral Home in Bushnell, with Rex Featherlin officiating. Burial will follow at Bushnell Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at Martin-Hollis Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Dorothy Stehl or Bushnell Rescue Squad. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com
