Dorothy Louise Schumacher

DIXON – Dorothy Louise Schumacher, 81, of Rockford, formerly of Dixon, died Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Dorothy was born July 29, 1932, in Dixon, the daughter of William and Deloris (Long) Ferger Sr.

She taught at Y-Tots Preschool at the YMCA in Dixon for 19 years and in the children’s department at the Dixon Public Library, prior to her retirement.

She was a graduate of Dixon High School and Cornell College. Dorothy married Carrol L. Schumacher on July 29, 1956, in Dixon. He preceded her in death on Jan. 30, 2004.

Dorothy was a member of First United Methodist Church in Dixon and enjoyed participating in Bible study and circle groups. In her later years, she attended First Evangelical Free Church in Rockford. She was a member of P.E.O. and volunteered as a docent at the Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon. Dorothy enjoyed camping, gardening, traveling, cooking, and working with and making jewelry from rocks and gemstones.

Survivors include two sons, Andrew (Susan) Schumacher of Belvidere and Daniel Schumacher of Raleigh, N.C.; one brother, William (Janet) Ferger Jr. of Dixon; one sister, Diane (John) Ruyack of Indianapolis; two sisters-in-law, Priscilla Ferger of Rochelle and Evelyn Smith of Dixon; two grandchildren, Evan York of DeKalb and Ian York of Normal; and six nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Charles Ferger.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mike Jones, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Dixon, officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Wesley Willows Chapel in Rockford.

A memorial has been established.

Visit www.prestonschillingfuneralhome.com to send condolences.