Dorothy Mae Bigham

Dorothy Mae Eggleston Bigham, long time resident of Moline, died Friday, February 19, 2010, at Trinity West.
Friends are invited to a celebration of her life at Christian United Methodist Church, 3801 7th Street, East Moline on Saturday, February 27, at 11:00 A.M.. Visitation will follow the celebration in Fellowship Hall. According to Mrs. Bigham's wishes, her body was cremated with burial near her parent's final resting place in Memorial Gardens in East Moline. In lie of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the giver's choice.
Born on July 30, 1926, in Cameron, Missouri, Dorothy was one of three children born to Clyde and Marie Parton Eggleston, She attended grade school in Cameron, where she was advanced one grade level. In grade school she was the drum majorette for the band. After her family moved to the Quad Cites area, she attended United Township High , graduating in 1943, at age 16.
After high school, Dorothy was a lead vocalist for several area bands, including Ray Winegar and his Orchestra, using the stage name of Dorothy Gary. She loved music; her favorite song was "Stormy Weather."
On January 10, 1948, she married Howard Bigham in Moline. She and the late Mr. Bigham were divorced in 1991.
Dorothy was a secretary for the president of Iowa-Illinois Gas for several years. She also worked as a secretary for American Insurance, concluding her career as secretary at John Deere Harvester Pavilion for 10 years.
Besides working, Dorothy enjoyed playing bridge, golf, taking walks, and shopping Von Maur. While her children were in grade school, she volunteered her time at all of the school functions. Her loves were her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include her two daughters, Stephanie Rabe (David), East Moline, and Kim Dirck (Keith), Geneva, Illinois; five grandchildren, Spencer Rabe, Kara Powers (Luc), Megan Powell (Alex), and Aaron Dirck and Brittany Dirck Hennessey (Chris); and two great - grandchildren, Jack Dirck and Lilyan Powell; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents and two brothers, William and Robert, preceded her in death.
The family would like to thank everyone for the care that Dorothy received by Genesis Ambulance Service and Illini and Trintiy Hospitals as well as Esterdahl Mortuary.