Dorothy Violet Bridgeforth, 92, of New Baden, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026, at her home. She was born June 8, 1933, in Hillsboro, Wisconsin, the daughter of Raymond and Mary (nee Unbehaun) Sanders. She married Carl Bridgeforth on September 14, 1952 at Olive Evangelical United Brethren Church in Eau Claire, WI, and he preceded her in death on December 8, 2019.

Dorothy was a woman of quiet strength and unwavering kindness. She poured her heart into others, always putting the needs of those she loved before her own. Though she was soft-spoken, she carried a presence that you simply didn’t want to disappoint. Her love for her family was constant and unconditional, and she was devoted to making sure each person felt equally cherished.

She is survived by her children, Barbara Albers of New Baden and Bruce (Kathy) Bridgeforth of Washington IL; her grandchildren, Eric Albers and Julie (Jim) Brown, all of New Baden; Kristie (Aaron) Lehde of Webster Groves, MO,  Kim Hoeflein of Trenton and Gina (Mike) Rakers of Indianapolis, IN.; Kim (Dave) Alexander and Kristine (special friend Tim Harris) Kelley, all of East Peoria; Cody Bridgeforth of Washington, IL and Dale Bridgforth of Hanna City, IL; She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Roselyn “Jean” & Andrew Ward-Nickols; along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings and in-laws.

Dorothy was a devoted homemaker and served for many years as a church secretary of Zion UCC in New Baden. She was a dedicated member of Zion UCC in New Baden. She was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 321 in New Baden and the Trenton Chapter 756 Order of the Eastern Star.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9:00 until 11:00AM at Nordike Funeral Home in New Baden. Funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at Nordike Funeral Home in New Baden. Burial will take place at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to HSHS St. Joseph's Foundation - Hospice or Comfort at Home and will be received at the funeral home.