Dorothy Mae Conover

CHAMPAIGN - Dorothy M. Conover, 91, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Carle Hospital, Urbana, IL, surrounded by her family.  Dorothy was born March 1, 1932 in Bement, Illinois to George O. Harder and Effie M. (Harder) Whitehouse. She spent her youth in this area. She graduated from Moore Township High School in Farmer City, Illinois in 1950. She graduated from Illinois Commercial College in Champaign, Illinois in 1953. She retired with 35 years of service from the University of Illinois. She was a lifetime member of the Illiana Antique Automobile Club. She was a member of the American Business Women’s Association serving as President, Vice-President, Bulletin, Ways and Means, and Recording Secretary. She loved collecting beautiful dolls which she kept on display in her home. She was the beloved wife of Buford V. Conover for 53 years. They were married on October 18, 1953. Buford passed away March 21, 2006. Her spirit was so happy and she was so patient and generous all her life. She enjoyed her extended family and was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She helped her loving husband raise three daughters, Barbara J. Smith, Ocala, Florida; Bonnie M. Martens, Seattle, Washington; and Susanne R. Landells, Champaign, Illinois. Her extended family includes six grandchildren, Scott Landells, Tracie Landells, Martina Rudasics (Jay), Charlie Vinson (Nancy), Steven Smith (Keri), John Smith (Stacy); four great-grandchildren, Julius Rudasics, Nicole Rudasics, Ethan Vinson, Payton Smith, and Dekota Smith; and three great-great-grandchildren, Madelyn Rudasics, Riliegh Rudasics, and Colton Bonar. She loved them all as her own children. Truly blessed are all who knew her or were a part of her life and will forever have loving thoughts of her in their hearts.  She is also survived by three sisters, Doris Elaine Gannon (Dave), Austin, Texas; Madonna Kay Friesen (Dennis), Kingsburg, California; Sharon Pearl Anthony, Corona, New Mexico; two brothers, Fran R. Harder, Urbana, Illinois, and Daniel R. Harder (Sandra), Middleton, Tennessee; and several nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews and cousins.  Preceding her in death were her parents Effie Mae (Harder) Whitehouse and George O. Harder; maternal grandparents Boyd and Lula Fogerson; paternal grandparents D. Pearl and Bert C. Harder; two sisters, Joanne H. Bode and Linda L. Young; and one brother, George E. Harder. Visitation will be Friday, March 31, 2023 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 South Philo Road, Urbana, Illinois. The celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. following the visitation at Renner-Wikoff Chapel with interment immediately following at Grandview Memorial Gardens next to her beloved husband. A dinner reception will be held after the graveside service. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice. 

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