Dortha Wade

Dortha Wade, 94, of Oakwood, IL passed away at her home on January 17, 2026 at 9:14 PM.

Dortha was born on November 21, 1931 the daughter of Charles and Nellie (Forbes) Beasley in Taylors Mine, KY. She married Ralph C. Wade on January 26, 1950 in Fordsville, KY and he preceded her in death on December 4. 2008.

Survivors include her children, Tony (Carlia) Wade, Rob Wade and Regina Knight all of Oakwood, IL, and Debbie (Paul) Drew of Tucson, AZ, her sister, Benita Gale Lowe of Cold Springs, KY, her grandchildren, James (Tracy) Wade, Lori (Darren) Ware, Dixie Wade, Travis Wade, Shane Wade, Shawn (Amanda) Wade, Michelle (Andrew) King, Luke Knight and Delaney Drew. She is also survived by 11 great grandchildren, her best friend, Lucy Woodard of Oakwood, IL, her special friend, Karen Kinney and many nieces and nephews.

Dortha is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ralph C. Wade, son, Carlos Wade, and three brothers, Jack Beasley, Stirman Fulkerson and Russell Fulkerson.

Dortha worked as a Bank Teller in Oakwood for many years and loved her customers. She enjoyed spending her free time reading, listening to audio books and music. Dortha had an amazing “green thumb” and loved her flowers and gardening. She was a great cook and enjoyed having many people around her table.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Oakwood, Illinois 105 East S. Main St. Oakwood, Illinois 61858. Patti Wise will officiate. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Oakwood, IL. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 PM on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the funeral home in Oakwood.

Memorial donations may be made to the Oakwood Library or to St Judes Children’s Research Hospital.

Please join Dortha’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .