Dorothy McCollough

Dorothy A. "Dotty" McCollough, age 73, passed away after a short battle with cancer on November 23, 2021 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford. She was born on March 1, 1948 in Rockford the daughter of L. Kruse and Ruth Louise (Champlain) Hoernecke. She attended Stillman Valley schools until her junior year when she moved to Morgan Hill, California finishing her final two years of high school there. She married Edward Michael McCollough on January 17, 1970; he passed away in February 2021. Dorothy worked for many years for Bombardier in Beloit. She was a member of the Congregational Christian Church in Stillman Valley and was recently attending Roscoe United Methodist close to her home. Dorothy will be remembered for her big heart who wouldn’t even kill a fly. She loved all animals especially cats and horses which she used to show. She was known for personally rescuing any cat in need as well as volunteering with various animal rescues in the area. She enjoyed camping, biking, and hiking; making sure to always stop at waterfalls during her travels. She was proud of her extensive collection of Breyer Horses and anything cat related. Dorothy was independent and persistent especially when playing the claw machine games. She would not stop until she won a stuffed animal. But, most importantly Dorothy loved her family above all else. She was a dedicated wife, sister, aunt, and friend who never missed family game night and would stick her tongue out any time a camera was pointed at her. She leaves a lifetime of memories with anyone who loved her. She is survived by her brothers, Robert (Patsy) Hoernecke of Oregon and Russ Hoernecke of Byron; nieces and nephews, Debra Porter, Johnny Porter, Cindy (John) DiDonna, Mark (Tammy) Hoernecke, Tracy (Curt) Vache, and Joanne Hoernecke; special great nephews, Ryan Hoernecke and Evan Vache; close friends, Raelene Erxleben and Nancy Warhurst; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Edward, sister, Mary Ruth, sister-in-law, Mary, and a great nephew. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Stillman Valley Cemetery with Pastor Bogner of The Congregational Christian Church in Stillman Valley officiating. Following the graveside service a luncheon will be held at the Congregational Christian Church in Stillman Valley. Memorials are established in her name to be distributed to various animal shelters.