Dortha Marie Greeson (98) of Neoga

Dortha Marie Greeson, 98, of Neoga, Illinois, passed away at 9:40 a.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Heartland Senior Living Center in Neoga, Illinois.

She was born on March 16, 1926, in Etna, Illinois, the daughter of Albert and E. Ferne (Wilson) Montgomery. Dortha married Sidney Vernon Greeson on November 11, 1944, in Wichita Falls, Texas, and Mr. Greeson passed away on October 28, 2019. Mrs. Greeson was known locally for her position as Bank Vice President at the Cumberland County National Bank in Neoga, Illinois. Over her career, she held a variety of jobs including working for the Neoga School District, Burroughs Adding Machine Company in Kansas City, the War Price and Rationing Board, and as an elevator operator in Wichita Falls, Texas, which she described as one of the most fun jobs she ever had. Dortha was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Neoga, where she was a member of the Senior Choir. She also worked with the Junior Choir and was known to drive the children to the roller skating rink in a Travelall as a reward. Dortha was a 40-year member of the Geneva Rebekah Lodge 274, a member of the United Methodist Women’s Association, and the Business and Professional Women, where she organized the Children’s Shopping Spree. She also volunteered at the Heartland Christian Village in Neoga, Illinois. Dortha loved being at the family cabin on Lake Mattoon, where she would carefully watch over the children and make sure they always wore their life jackets. She loved going for boat rides and was known for her persistent attempts to water ski.

Mrs. Greeson is survived by her children, Carol Sue Piper of Neoga, Illinois, and Carl Greeson (Beverly) of Columbia, Missouri; grandchildren, Tara Davis of Neoga, Illinois, Amy Piper of Springfield, Illinois, Bryan Piper (Elizabeth) of Lakemoor, Illinois, Carrie Guy (Nick) of Bainbridge Island, Washington, Colin Greeson (Chelsea) of St. Louis, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Micah Guy, Mallory Greeson, and Katie Piper; sister-in-law Carol Montgomery; step-sister, Marcy Maxedon of Shelbyville, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sidney Vernon Greeson; parents; brother, William "Bill" Montgomery; son-in-law, Gary Piper; grandson, Charles "Chad" Faris II; and granddaughter-in-law, Donna Kelley Davis; brothers-in-law, Marion Greeson, Ernest Greeson, and Dexter Greeson; sisters-in-law, Lois Buchanan, Nellie Burgess, and Daisy Fulton.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Grace United Methodist Church in Neoga, Illinois. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., also at the church. Burial will be in Neoga Memorial Cemetery in Neoga, Illinois. Memorials are suggested to the Grace United Methodist Church of Neoga, Illinois, The Neoga EMS Association, or the Heartland Senior Living Auxiliary. The Swengel - O’Dell Funeral Home in Neoga, Illinois, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.