Mildred "Millie" Margaret Dyer

(née Weitz)

Age 83, of Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 19, 2025 at Arcadia Nursing Home. 

Born July 31, 1941, in Morris, Millie was the daughter of Herb and Genevieve “Toots” Weitz. She was a graduate of Morris Community High School with the Class of 1959. She went on to further her education at Illinois State University, graduating in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in education. 

Millie married Harold Schofield in 1963. As they made their home in various cities in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, they had three children, Sally, Steve, and Lisa. 

She returned to Morris in January 1983, where she attained her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at Illinois State University and dedicated her career to teaching Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders for 17 years. She loved her students, especially finding joy in singing silly songs, helping with crafts, and finding unique Halloween costumes. 

Millie married the love of her life, Hank Dyer, in June 1994, with whom she spent 17 wonderful years. She loved spending time with her family, friends, and with her dogs and cat. She had a very good sense of humor and a wonderful laugh. She enjoyed knitting, was an avid reader, and was an excellent baker. 

She was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of Morris, where she served as the Handbell Director for many years and volunteered for various programs, including PADS and St. Vincent’s Table. With a passion for helping others, she served as a County Board Member and on its various committees for 20 years. She also participated with the Grundy County Retired Teachers Association, the Grundy County Historical Society, the Grundy County Republican Women’s Group, and other community groups. 

Millie touched many lives in her lifetime, and her legacy will still live on for many years to come.

Millie is survived by her children, Sally (Roger) Hausken, Steve (Amy) Schofield, and Lisa (Patrick) Simpson. She was a proud grandmother to Kate (Glenn Tallar) Hausken, Lauren (Ethan) Barse, Amanda Schofield, Sarah Schofield, and Michael Schofield, and she was blessed with great-grandchildren, Caleb and Myles Barse, Vivian and Lance Tallar. Millie is also survived by her sister, Judy (Walt) Roll, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Preceding her in death were her parents, Herb and Toots Weitz, her husband, Hank Dyer, and many beloved pets. 

The family will receive friends at the First United Methodist Church, 118 W. Jackson Street in Morris, Illinois on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Keck Mowry officiating. A livestream and recording of the service will be available on the First United Methodist Church of Morris YouTube channel.

A private family burial will take place in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

Memorial donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church, 118 W. Jackson Street, Morris, Illinois, 60450 or the Pine Bluff Animal Hospital, 7995 E. Pine Bluff Rd., Morris, Illinois 60450. 

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneralHome.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Millie’s memorial page online through social media. 

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Fruland Funeral Home, 121 West Jefferson Street in Morris. (815-942-0700)