Dorothy Best Obituary

Dorothy Gladys Houdek Best, loving wife of the late Elmer George Best, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, July 17, 2008 at the home of her youngest son, Jonathan, where she had resided for the past four years. Dorothy was the daughter of James and Anna (Walchar) Houdek. She was born at her home in Chicago, IL on December 18, 1916, and was a long time resident of Cicero, IL attending Columbus School, Morton HS and Morton Junior College where she graduated in 1936. She had also attended Park College, Parkville, MO. While employed at the Northern Trust Bank in Chicago, Dorothy met her future husband Elmer. They were married in 1941 at the Warren Park Presbyterian Church of Cicero, IL and resided Cicero until moving to LaGrange, IL in 1950. Elmer and Dorothy raised their family of five sons in LaGrange. Their five sons are the late James F. and Annette (Racanelli) formerly of St. Petersburg, FL; Paul R. and Kathi (Oosting) of LaGrange, IL; David E. and Nancy (Strid) of Willowbrook, IL; Philip A. and Vicki (Enfield) of Topsfield, MA and Jonathan R. and Julie (Samp) of LaGrange. Grandma Dorothy had thirteen adoring grandchildren, Steven (Tracy) Best of Oswego, IL; Kathleen (Mark) Knapp of Naperville, IL; Gretel (Andy) Roberts of Dallas, TX; Elissa Best (Anna Fitzloff) of Chicago, IL: Jeff (Lori) Best of Bolingbrook, IL; Erik Best of Willowbrook, IL: Taylor, Caleb and Skylar Best of Topsfield, MA and Abigail, Aaron, Andrew and Anna Best of LaGrange. Grandma Dorothy also had nine great-grandchildren: Justin and Erin Best; Pierce and Brittany Knapp; Magdalena (Maggie), Micah James and John Paul (Jack) Roberts; Conner and Carlie Best. Dorothy was also survived by her brother Robert Houdek of Downers Grove. In addition, she leaves behind a host of relatives and friends whose relationships she cherished. Dorothy was an active member of the Western Springs Baptist Church for 58 years where she was a faithful member of the Choir into her 80's and enjoyed the friendships and fellowship of her church "family" with the same care and concern she showed her family. A memorial service will be held for Dorothy on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Western Springs Baptist Church. Details can be obtained from the church. Gifts can be made in Dorothy's memory to the Western Springs Baptist Church. Info: (708) 352-6500.