Dorothy Lence Mainer, 85, of Godfrey, IL passed peacefully on March 14th. Born July 11, 1940 in Cobden, IL to Ernest and Gladys Lence, she attended and graduated from Cobden High School and Excella Beauty School with Beauty Culturist certification. On August 1, 1958 she married Lowell Valgene (Sonny) Mainer of Jonesboro, IL at the Congregational Church in Cobden, IL. They soon moved to St. Louis, MO and later to Alton, IL and then Godfrey, IL where they have since resided. Dorothy graduated from Excella Beauty School in St. Louis and worked for Stix, Baer and Fuller and Ragsdale Salons. In the late 60's and 70's she worked at Bo Cheri Salon in Alton, IL before becoming a full-time stay at home mom.
Dorothy was an active member of the Godfrey Church of Christ, volunteering to maintain the flower garden there. She also did volunteer work at the Caravan Shop of Alton. She loved being active outdoors, biking, walking and taking care of flower and vegetable gardens. She and Lowell won many Pride, Inc. awards for their home and yard and were very active in Senior Olympics bicycling events where they also won many gold medals. Dorothy enjoyed reading and doing puzzles, and in her younger years, restoring antique furniture. She and Lowell loved to travel visiting Mexico, Canada and every state except Alaska.
Dorothy was preceded in passing by her parents, son Steven Mainer, granddaughter Kristen Mainer, and her sisters Peggy Francis and Barbara Smith, she is survived by her husband of 67 years, Lowell Mainer, sons Mark of Alton, IL and Michael (Caron) of St. Peters, MO, her brother Jim (Linda) Lence, 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
If desired, memorial donations can be made in Dorothy's name to Godfrey Church of Christ, American Heart Association, Alzheimer Association, 5 A's Humane Society of Alton or charity of choice.
Visitation will be Friday, March 20, 2026 from 5-7 pm at Gent Funeral Home, 2409 State Street, Alton, IL 62002.
A private family graveside service and burial will be held in Cobden Cemetery, Cobden IL.