“An American Dream Lived” Doris Emily Farrell Kile September 1, 1935 – March 5, 2023 A little down the way, amidst the sandstone cliffs and caves of “Rocky Branch”, Doris Emily Farrell began her story. Little did she know, she would one day receive that land as a present from her future husband. For the first part of her life, she was raised on a homestead by her parents Roxie and Felix Farrell. It was at that time she became known to all as “Dolly.” As a child she learned how to be charitable by watching her father help families in need by giving them free meat from his butchering. As the only girl in a family full of boys, Doris learned how to be the star of the show, a skill that was pivotal for her success as a business woman, a community leader and a matriarch. At the tender age of 14 Dolly left home to become employed under the guidance of a local restaurateur, Nell Bosinger, who became a second mother to her. After working as a waitress for half a decade, Dolly became a mother to her daughter Sharon and moved to Florida. While not to abandon beach life entirely, Doris would return to the Wabash River Valley to begin life again in one of the most successful combinations since flint and steel with Earl Kile. While together, Doris and Earl had three children; Joseph, Mary and Edward. The couple lived to work not only as an exercise of tenacity, brilliance and work ethic but to build a legacy that would support the development of generations within their family. One of their great contributions was the founding of the VFW #5975 that is located in Marshall, Illinois. Doris found tremendous fulfillment in the fostering of local youth through leading the Junior Girls Auxiliary program. When Doris and Earl weren’t working or spending time with their family, they traveled extensively and lived periodically in Florida. Their love of learning and adventure afforded them the longevity to live a full life. However, the story changed December 2nd, 2005 under a green canopy when Doris’s brother-in-law Ralph presented her with Earl’s burial flag. She began again as one always should with courage and a love for life. By the end of her life, Dolly’s family had grown to 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. She was able to see the 5th generation to the teen years.

Doris Emily Farrell Kile Our Wild Irish Rose

Services in honor of her life will be 12 Noon Saturday, March 11th at Pearce Funeral Home with Fred Morecraft officiating. Burial will be in the Marshall Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:00 AM until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.