Doris E. Hetchler, 101, of Cortland, Illinois, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2026, at DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center.

She was born March 1, 1925, on Russell Barron Farm in S. Burlington, Illinois, the daughter of Ralph and Zada (Barron) Hudson. Her family later moved to Sycamore, where they enjoyed the best of two worlds. Living on the edge of town, they were surrounded by Tom Foy’s farm, Bess Rowley’s orchard, and empty lots, yet remained within walking distance to Sycamore Park, the library, church and schools all of which had influential impact on Doris’s life. Doris attended Sycamore schools, graduating with the class of 1943.

On May 17, 1949, Doris married Ken A. Hetchler at the Sycamore Methodist Church. That same year, they moved to Cortland, where they resided for the next 70 years. Throughout her working years, Doris was employed at the DeKalb-Ogle Telephone Company and by Dr. Fenwick, and she later retired from Crescent Electric.

In 1955, Doris and Ken installed an in ground swimming pool that became the center of many happy times. Neighbor kids were always welcome to join the fun, needing only a simple “OK slip” from a parent.

Doris was deeply appreciative of the world God created and considered herself truly blessed to have lived her life in the 1930’s and 40’s.  She faithfully attended the Cortland Methodist Church and Glad Tidings Assembly of God on Sundays. She found great joy in gardening, swimming, church activities, and bible study.

Doris considered her life enriched by her many nieces and nephews, and last, but certainly not least, by her beloved four legged cats and dogs.

The last surviving member of her family, Doris was preceded in death by her husband Ken in 2018; her parents; her four brothers Kenneth, Paul, John, and Bruce; and her two sister Helen L. DeShon and Dorothy Belle Reisner.

The Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb with Rev. Brandon Arneson officiating. Interment of cremated remains will be at a later date at South Burlington Cemetery, in South Burlington, Illinois. 

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Hetchler Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.