Dorothea Madeline Skipton of Lansing, IL passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 17, 2022. Dorothea is preceded in death by her parents James and Madeline Downs. Left to cherish her memory are her only daughter Ayla Skipton (Brett Beauchamp); the father of her child, Jeffrey Skipton; her ten siblings Kathleen (Bill) Witowski, Martin (Sylvia) Downs, Marianne (Rich) Hroma, Patsy (Andy) Czernik, John (Lisa) Downs, Margaret (Mike) Mirich, Charles Downs, Robert Downs, Steven Downs, and Daniel Downs (Gene Dunkle); her cousin Nancy Devries (Carolynn Hayes); her 13 nieces and nephews, several great nieces and nephews, and her many treasured friends.

Dorothea (lovingly known as "Ditsy") was born on October 24, 1966 to James and Madeline Downs. She was the youngest of their eleven children. After graduating from Thornton Fractional South High School in 1984, she went on to study at Eastern Illinois University where she obtained a bachelor's degree in Geology. During her career, she served over twenty years before retiring as a water control pollution officer at the Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. Dorothea was passionate about preserving nature. She enjoyed hiking, camping and traveled to many national parks in her younger years. Dorothea was endeared by all who knew her for her genuine heart of gold and willingness to help those in need. She was the type of person who loved to laugh and make other's laugh with her good natured personality. Dorothea was a woman strong in faith, and her family is comforted knowing she is finally at peace in the arms of Jesus.

A graveside service and burial will be held at Assumption Cemetery in Glenwood, IL at 10:45 AM on June 4th, 2022. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in memory of Dorothea M. Skipton to the non-profit organizations, Shatterproof and/or Mental Health America.