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Dorothy Ellen Gration

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Dorothy Ellen Gration

Birth
Death
13 Feb 2023 (aged 97)
Burial
Elwood, Will County, Illinois, USA GPS-Latitude: 41.3893983, Longitude: -88.1239233
Plot
SECTION 5 SITE 3025
Memorial ID
View Source
Interment February 27, 2023
GRATION, DOROTHY ELLEN
Date of Birth: 07/07/1925
Date of Death: 02/13/2023
Buried At: SECTION 5 SITE 3025
WIFE OF GRATION, JOHN ALEXANDER
Rank & Branch: PHM3 US NAVY

Dorothy Ellen Gration, age 97, a resident of Windsor Park in Carol Stream, IL, died Monday, February 13. She was born July 7, 1925.

Coming from a small town in Indiana, she attended Moody Bible Institute where she studied to be a missionary. There she met John Gration, who became her life's partner. Together they travelled with their 13 month old son aboard a cargo ship bound for Cape Town, South Africa and on to serve deep in the heart of the Belgium Congo with Africa Inland Mission.

Teaching in the Bible School and building relationships, their tenure was cut short when they had to flee the country in 1964 because of three Congolese uprisings. Leaving all their possessions behind, Dorothy and her young family narrowly escaped death as an African friend guided them through the forests for three days to safety. Still committed to reaching the African people with the hope of Jesus, they established a new life and ministry in Kenya where Dorothy and John taught in the Bible School and developed deep friendships among the Kenyan students.

Upon returning to the United States in 1967, John became the Associate Home Director for Africa Inland Mission and Dorothy worked professionally as a dietician. She always welcomed guests into their home, whether for a delicious dinner or for a stay while passing through on or off the mission field.

In 1975, the family moved to Wheaton, IL where John served as a faculty member of Wheaton College Graduate School in the Missions/Intercultural Department. Dorothy thrived during her time at Wheaton, working in the college's development office and forming a bond with other faculty spouses. She was truly a partner to John, welcoming his students into their home each quarter for a home cooked curry dinner. Many of these friendships remain strong today as evidenced by the many Christmas cards she received this year.

Dorothy enjoyed the last 15 years of her life at Windsor Park in Carol Stream, where she discovered her talent for painting and took part in most activities that were offered, especially if they involved music. She poured her life into rich friendships with those in her community and worldwide. Even after losing John 11 years ago, she continued to live life to the fullest, taking advantage of every opportunity that came her way.

Her love for her family was obvious. She was so proud of not only what they accomplished, but who they were in the Lord. Her 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren were very special to her and she prayed for them every day.

Though we rejoice Dorothy is safe and at peace in her final resting place, we greatly miss her presence here on earth. Praise God for her life well lived.

Interment will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.
Interment February 27, 2023
GRATION, DOROTHY ELLEN
Date of Birth: 07/07/1925
Date of Death: 02/13/2023
Buried At: SECTION 5 SITE 3025
WIFE OF GRATION, JOHN ALEXANDER
Rank & Branch: PHM3 US NAVY

Dorothy Ellen Gration, age 97, a resident of Windsor Park in Carol Stream, IL, died Monday, February 13. She was born July 7, 1925.

Coming from a small town in Indiana, she attended Moody Bible Institute where she studied to be a missionary. There she met John Gration, who became her life's partner. Together they travelled with their 13 month old son aboard a cargo ship bound for Cape Town, South Africa and on to serve deep in the heart of the Belgium Congo with Africa Inland Mission.

Teaching in the Bible School and building relationships, their tenure was cut short when they had to flee the country in 1964 because of three Congolese uprisings. Leaving all their possessions behind, Dorothy and her young family narrowly escaped death as an African friend guided them through the forests for three days to safety. Still committed to reaching the African people with the hope of Jesus, they established a new life and ministry in Kenya where Dorothy and John taught in the Bible School and developed deep friendships among the Kenyan students.

Upon returning to the United States in 1967, John became the Associate Home Director for Africa Inland Mission and Dorothy worked professionally as a dietician. She always welcomed guests into their home, whether for a delicious dinner or for a stay while passing through on or off the mission field.

In 1975, the family moved to Wheaton, IL where John served as a faculty member of Wheaton College Graduate School in the Missions/Intercultural Department. Dorothy thrived during her time at Wheaton, working in the college's development office and forming a bond with other faculty spouses. She was truly a partner to John, welcoming his students into their home each quarter for a home cooked curry dinner. Many of these friendships remain strong today as evidenced by the many Christmas cards she received this year.

Dorothy enjoyed the last 15 years of her life at Windsor Park in Carol Stream, where she discovered her talent for painting and took part in most activities that were offered, especially if they involved music. She poured her life into rich friendships with those in her community and worldwide. Even after losing John 11 years ago, she continued to live life to the fullest, taking advantage of every opportunity that came her way.

Her love for her family was obvious. She was so proud of not only what they accomplished, but who they were in the Lord. Her 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren were very special to her and she prayed for them every day.

Though we rejoice Dorothy is safe and at peace in her final resting place, we greatly miss her presence here on earth. Praise God for her life well lived.

Interment will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

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LIVED FULLY
LOVED DEEPLY
SERVED WELL



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