Doretta J. Newendyke, 89, formerly of Milledgeville, IL, entered her final rest peacefully, on July 19, 2023, with family at her side, at Rock River Hospice & Home in Sterling, IL.
Doretta was born to McKinley and Hazel Pickens on June 4, 1934, in Prophetstown, IL. She was a loving daughter to her parents, especially as they were aging. Doretta began her education in a one-room schoolhouse. After high school, Doretta worked at the G. E. factory in Morrison, IL. Doretta, a beautiful bride, married Harold Newendyke on January 20, 1954, in Fairhaven, IL. Harold passed away on September 28,1996.
Doretta became an Army wife early in the marriage while Harold served his term in the Army. She enjoyed telling stories of the experiences they had during that time. Afterwards, Harold and Doretta spent many years on their farm in Milledgeville. Doretta was a stay at home mom to their four children. She spent summers canning and freezing vegetables from her garden and helped out on the farm wherever needed. After Harold retired, they enjoyed winters in Texas.
After Harold’s death, Doretta moved from the farm to her new home in town (Milledgeville.) She enjoyed living in town and especially loved watching the cardinals outside her kitchen window.
Doretta became a member of the Milledgeville Brethren Church on April 3, 1977. Doretta had a God-given talent for playing the piano. She shared that talent during church services and other events, including accompanying the “Scrooge” plays during the Christmas holiday season, at White Pines Dinner Theatre. Doretta would often travel to area nursing homes and play piano for the residents, usually bringing along her own keyboard. She also joined many weekend music “jams” with other musicians.She continued playing her piano while in her assisted living apartment, and she would also play the piano in the common area. This would often turn into a sing-a-long of 25 or more other residents. Countless people enjoyed hearing her unique piano-playing style and looked forward to hearing her play. Playing music gave Doretta great joy!
Doretta also had a special talent for baking and decorating cakes, which she passed along to her daughters. She would often be asked to make graduation cakes for family members. She enjoyed entering her baked goods and decorated cakes in the Carroll County Fair, where she won many prizes! Her oatmeal raisin cookies were a favorite prize-winner, using a recipe handed down from her mother.
Doretta is survived by her sister, Verna (Marvin) Snyder, of Morrison, IL; daughters, Betty (Jeff) Renne of Dixon, IL, Susan (Bill) Tulini of Hawthorn Woods, IL, and Janet (Doug) Isley of Naperville, IL; son, Allen (Cindy) Newendyke of Batavia, IL; ten grandchildren, Megan Renne, Dan (Honeylyn) Tulini, Nicole (Tom) Welsh, Brandon Renne, Kristin Isley, Mike (Jessica) Tulini, Lauren Renne, Jackie (Luke) Yankoe, Ryan Newendyke, Alexis Newendyke; three great-grandchildren, Avery Tulini, Matthew Tulini, Chloe Tulini; countless nieces and nephews; close friend Ray Bardell, who Doretta considered a wonderful companion for many years.
Doretta was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Harold Newendyke; her parents, McKinley and Hazel Pickens; sister, Lenorah (Vernon) Gordon; brothers, Oliver (Mary) Pickens, Ellis (Eleanor) Pickens, and William Pickens.
Doretta’s laugh, smile, and cheery personality will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund at the Milledgeville Brethren Church.
Visitation will be Monday, July 24, 2023, from 5:00-to-7:00 p.m, at McDonald Funeral Home, Milledgeville, IL.
The Funeral will be Tuesday July 25, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Milledgeville Brethren Church.
Burial services will follow at the Lanark Cemetery, Lanark IL.