Dorothy "Violet" (Billingsley) Babler, 93, of Elgin, formerly of Freeport and Rock City, passed away Friday, December 30, 2016 at The Vines Senior Homes. She was born at Mound City, IL on April 13, 1923, the daughter of Walter F. and Bertha Gertrude (Shore) Billingsley. She graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL in 1942. After graduation, she attended Western Union training school in Crawfordsville, IN and became a telegraph operator. In 1943 she was transferred to Freeport, IL. where she met John Edward Babler, Jr. They were married on December 10, 1944 in Biloxi, MS where he was stationed in the United States Army Air Force.

As a member of the Winneshiek Evangelical Free Church, she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years. Singing solos for the Sunday morning services was an expression of joy. She was a member of the Rock Run Stephenson County Home Extension Unit for many years.

Her husband, John, preceded her in death in September 2003. Also preceding her in death were her parents, her brother, numerous aunts and uncles, several nieces, a nephew, 4 brother-in-laws, and 4 sister-in-laws.
Surviving are two sons, Daryl (Marquetta) Babler and Nathan (Darlene) Babler both of Rock City; two daughters, Susan (LaVerne) Weber of Elgin, and Joan (Gary) Rupnow of Prole, IA. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 8 step-great grandchildren.

A visitation will be Thursday, January 5th from 5-7 pm at Daughenbaugh Funeral Home in Dakota, IL. The funeral service will be held at 10am on Friday, January 6th at Faith Community Church in Davis, IL.
Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Freeport, IL. A memorial fund has been established for the Vines Senior Homes in Elgin, IL. Condolences may be shared with her family at www.walkermortuary.com.