Obituary of Dorothy D. Mettille
Dorothy Dolores (Foss) Mettille
Age 81, of Seneca, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Serenity Estates of Morris, with her family at her side.
Dorothy was born on July 30, 1943, in Ottawa, Illinois, to Kenneth and Dolores (Sterling) Foss. She attended Marquette High School, where she graduated Salutatorian of the Class of 1961. She was the oldest of three sisters, whom she loved deeply.
Dorothy married Lawrence Mettille in 1966. Together, they celebrated over 59 years of marriage, raised two sons - Mark and Todd - and owned two businesses.
Dorothy worked throughout her life. She was a clerk and bookkeeper for a furniture store and the Housing Authority of LaSalle County, and later worked for Western Electric in Norway, IL. After working for a photographer, she attended professional photography school and became a certified professional photographer. Dorothy co-founded Lawrence Studio with her husband, Larry, and captured countless weddings, graduations and professional portraits in the Morris community. She served on several committees for the Professional Photographers Association of Northern Illinois while operating Lawrence Studio for 20 years.
Additionally, she was a real estate agent for Dorothy Black Real Estate and Century 21 Coleman – Hornsby. Later, Dorothy co-founded Lawrence Advertising with Larry, became a certified advertising specialist, and maintained longstanding relationships with clients. She remained active in the advertising business until her passing.
In the community, Dorothy founded the Cancer Support Group and chaired it for 27 years. She was a member of Business and Professional Women and Partners-In-Profit, served as treasurer for Grundy Community Hospice Auxiliary, and was a member of the Grundy County Historical Society. She was a past committee member for Home for the Holidays and remained active with the Festival of Trees until recently. She also enjoyed Seneca Lunch Bunch get-togethers.
In addition to her professional and volunteer work, Dorothy enjoyed watching football games with her sons and grandsons—cheering on her favorite teams with enthusiasm. She especially loved reading, cooking, and baking Rice Krispies Treats, which became a sweet staple at every family gathering.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Lawrence Mettille; two sons, Mark and Todd (Sarah) Mettille; four grandchildren, Lauren (Jeff) Markle, Michael, Morgan, and Connor Mettille; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Shirley Hiland and Norma Lenac; and daughter-in-law, Joyce Mettille.
A memorial visitation for Dorothy Mettille will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6 (at Deerpath Drive), Morris, IL. Inurnment will be held privately at a later date at St. Columba Cemetery, Ottawa, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jim Feeney Memorial Scholarship or to Operation Saint Nick, PO Box 781, Morris, IL 60450.
For information, please call (815) 942-5040 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
