Dorothy L. Huff

Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m.

Grace Community Baptist Church in Trenton

Saturday, February 28, 2026

11:00 a.m.

Grace Community Baptist Church in Trenton

The success of Dorothy Louise Huff’s 93 years was evident in her last days as three generations of loved ones gathered around her to whisper their tearful goodbyes and find humor among each other’s shared memories.

Dorothy was born on August 24, 1932, in Bloomington, IL, during what is recognized as the darkest point of the Great Depression. Men wore hats, bread was $0.04 a loaf, and 13 million Americans were unemployed. FDR would defeat Hoover in the November election, bringing about relief programs under the New Deal. Dort, as she was known to family, was the third child born to Gertrude (née Schmidt) and Emil Riethmaier. Gertrude and Emil met in Bloomington after emigrating from Germany—Gertrude from Stralsund in 1923 on the SS Pittsburgh, and Emil from Gobreuchen in 1922 on the SS Resolute via Ellis Island.

Dorothy cherished her childhood surrounded by family, picnics at Lake Bloomington, window shopping on Sundays, and pavilion dances dressed in her favorite poodle skirt with black-and-white saddle shoes, where she could “dance with all the guys.” She taught herself to ride a bike and had a paper route, which was difficult given that Gertrude did not permit her daughters to wear pants. Dorothy sang in the church choir and waitressed at her favorite uncle’s restaurant. Her ultimate calling, though, was caring for people. That theme carried through her life and began with a hospital job where she excelled. Dorothy’s generosity appeared early when she gave her earnings to a friend, allowing her to finish high school.

The outbreak of WWII changed the family. They forbade the use of German and hid their nationality, thus Dorothy lost the German language. She did not lose the goulash and spätzle recipes passed down from her mother, which she relished making for her own family. Her famous sugar cookies were her own creation.

If Dorothy had a weakness, it was for cute animals and hot guys. Her string of beloved pets was well known to family and friends, as was her shameless admiration for a good-looking man. Upon seeing a striking young airman out her window, she remarked, “I’m going to marry that guy,” and she did. Wearing a blue suit with matching heels, Dorothy married David Huff on September 3, 1950. Crushes included Elvis, whose portrait hung in the house, and grandsons-in-law Daniel and Zach. In hospice, she used her remaining strength to open an eye upon hearing the pastor was handsome.

Dorothy had four children—David, Emil, Debra, and Henry—whom she treasured. Her love and devotion to them and their families fostered a close-knit brood that would stay connected through generations. She loved being a mother and would say it was the highlight of her life. Supportive of her children, she shared a mother-daughter relationship to envy, and her refusal to move to Florida for fear of missing out on grandchildren paid off in their immeasurable affection. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren are still using her expertly crocheted afghans and doilies.

Dorothy’s work ethic was second to none as she kept house and home on a shoestring budget. Dissatisfied with her autonomy over household expenses, she took in laundry, cleaned offices, and worked as a CNA to earn her own money. Her favorite job came later in life when she babysat for a local family and would only give it up to care for her grandson. If she had a regret, it was not finishing high school, opting instead to be married. This kept her from a later-realized dream of nursing. When her son considered not finishing his degree, she threatened to attend with him—a decision for which he is now grateful.

Dorothy embraced widowhood, becoming active in Grace Community Baptist Church, the Ladies Missionary Society, and the Trenton Senior Center. She loved spring’s chirping birds, blooming flowers, and gardening. Church bingo and word finds were fun, but nothing compared to playing Sequence with Emil, Debi, and her son-in-law Kurt.

It is a life well lived when your final wishes are to be remembered as a good mother and grandmother and to ensure the newest great-great-granddaughter’s name is added to the family Bible.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her great-granddaughter, Courtney Armer; siblings, Carl (Jo) Fairand, Erwin (Ann) Riethmaier, Gertrude (Pete) Peifer, and Edmund (Masi) Riethmaier; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wilson P. and Leah (nee Toedte) Huff; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Warren (Carol) Huff; nieces, Vicki Piefer and Becky Vargas; and nephew Kelly Huff.

Dorothy is survived by her children, David W. (Rose) Huff of Beckemeyer, Emil Huff of Trenton, Debra (Kurt) Klein of New Baden, and Henry (Julia) Huff of New Baden; grandchildren, David Huff, Michael Hunter, Lynette Molette, Marshal Hunter, Tina (Stephen) Seidel, Grant (Mariah) Huff, Brant (Audra) Zurliene, Elisa (Rick) Mallrich, Colleen (Daniel) Sweeney, Kassie (Ryan) Hund, Corrie (Dana) Heck, Caitlin (Zach) Haselhorst, and Ethan (fiancée, Mary Baxter) Huff; twenty-four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Community Baptist Church in Trenton with Minister Mike Shaw officiating.  Interment will follow at Trenton Cemetery.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. at Grace Community Baptist Church in Trenton.

In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made payable to Grace Community Church (benefiting Base 215 and First Priority Club) and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 105 South Main St. Trenton, IL 62293, who is serving the family.