Doreene Lucie Elmore, faithful servant of God, age 89, of Trenton, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, with her family by her side, and under the beautiful care of the nursing staff at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland.
She was born on December 1, 1935, in Greenville IL, the beloved daughter of the late Harry and Vera Lucie (nee Schmollinger) Turley. Doreene met returning service man, Maurice Eugene Elmore (of Mulberry Grove IL) in 1955 at her workplace, the local ASC office through his sister Joyce. They were married 57 years after having married Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1955, in a candlelight ceremony after the cows had been milked on her family’s dairy farm.
Doreene is survived by her adoring children, Denise Lucie (Dr. Andrew) Limper of Rochester, MN; Kirk (Connie) Elmore; Beth Lucie Elmore; and Jana Lucie Elmore all of Trenton. She was a proud grandmother to favorite granddaughters Sarah Lucie (Peter) Gifford, Nicole Lucie (Michael) Ed, Elise Lucie (Danielle) Limper, and favorite grandsons Zachary Elmore and Kyle Elmore; and a loving great-grandmother to Ariella Lucie Ed, Andrew “AJ” Ed, and Elowen Lucie Limper.
She is survived by her “little” brother, Kent Turley; sisters-in-law, Connie Turley and Joyce Dothager; Nephews, Michael Turley, Doug Turley, and Rob Turley, and Niece Jill Williams; as well as many special great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to her parents, Doreene was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice, her brothers, Max Turley (in infancy) and Neal Turley; sister-in-law, Susie Turley; brother-in-law, Kenny Dothager; and nephew, Craig Turley.
Every morning, she spent time in prayer. A faithful member of the First United Methodist Church, she served on the Care and Hospitality committees and taught Sunday School for over 40 years. Her love for children was so great that she started the Small World Preschool and a children’s Tea Room. For many years she helped brides prepare for their special day as she managed Kambe’s Bridal Shop in Highland. Prior to this she worked in several women’s clothing retail stores.
Doreene shared her many gifts and talents with the community as a dedicated volunteer, 4-H Leader of the Trenton Sews & So’s for 25 years, and Classroom Mom at her children’s school. She was the quintessential homemaker, a talented seamstressand cook, there was nothing in the home she could not do or fix. In addition to these talents, she loved music, playing the piano and accordion. In her home, there was always room for one more.
While her children, grandchildren and their friends knew her as Mom and Nana, she played many other roles as backdoor neighbor, neighborhood mother/grandmother, a member of the “Gang of 6” lifelong friends from her Greenville school days, and favorite shopping buddy. She was her grandchildren’s biggest fan, attending their school activities and sporting events. She was also an avid Cardinal Baseball and Indiana Fever fan.
A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Trenton with Pastor Rena Whitcher officiating. Interment will be at Smith Grove Cemetery in Greenville.
Visitation will be Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 8:45-11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Trenton.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Trenton and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 105 S. Main, Trenton, IL 62293, who is serving the family.
