Post Messenger Recorder -

Dorothy Helen Etheridge, age 99 of Reedsburg, and a former Paoli area resident, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2017, at the Casa de Oakes in Reedsburg. She was born on February 7, 1918, in the Town of Fitchburg to her parents, Fred and Louise (Warner) Haack.

On October 12, 1937, she was united in marriage to Homer Etheridge at Dubuque, IA. Dorothy and Homer farmed in the Paoli area for many years and they loved to play cards and dance together. She was a member of the Zwingli United Church of Christ in Paoli.

Dorothy is survived by her son, David (LaVon) Etheridge; daughters, Linda Schwinn, Christene (Jack) Gard, and Kathryn (Al) Altenbach; daughter-in-law, Shirley Etheridge; eleven grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Homer; sons, Ronald and Lowell; three grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter; brothers, Arnold, Leo, and Edwin; and a sister, Florence.

A graveside service was held at 1:00 p.m., on Sunday, February 19, 2017, at the Paoli Cemetery with the Rev. Sara Rabe officiating.

The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is assisting the family.

An online memorial with guestbook is available at http://www.bealfuneralhomes.com.

I would rather have a little rose

from the garden of a friend.

Than to have the choicest flowers

when my stay on earth must end.

I would rather have the kind words

and a smile I can see,

Than flattery when my heart is still

And life has ceased to be.

I would rather have a loving smile

From friends I know are true,

Than tears shed round my casket

When this world I bid adieu.

I want the flowers when I'm here,

Be they pink or white or red.

I'd rather have one blossom now

than a truckload when I'm dead.