Dolores Ann Locke

Dolores Ann (Grundler) Locke, age 99, of Pontiac, IL, passed away peacefully at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Accolade Healthcare of Pontiac.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pontiac, Illinois on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Robert Rayson presiding. Visitation will be at the church starting at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Pontiac, IL. A luncheon will follow at the church.

Dolores was born on August 4, 1926, in Pontiac, IL, to Charles Grundler and Frances (Alfter) Grundler. She married Meryl E. Locke on May 15, 1946, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pontiac, upon his return from serving in World War II. They were married for 64 wonderful years before he passed away on March 2, 2011. Dolores and Meryl suffered the loss of their only son, Thomas Meryl Locke, in 1989.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law: Rev. Patricia H. Locke of Holland, MI; two grandchildren: Ashley (Peter) Gosselar of Oak Park, IL, and Benjamin (Anna) Locke of Grand Rapids, MI; three adored great-grandchildren: Greta, Thomas, and Henry. She is also survived by several beloved nieces and nephews, and Dr. Rebecca Patterson of Chicago, IL, who was like a granddaughter to her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband and son, and brother, John Grundler.

Dolores lived in Pontiac all her life, and was a source of wisdom about town history. She graduated from Pontiac High School, and worked in several jobs over the years.

Dolores enjoyed her employment at a ladies apparel store in Pontiac, and was the supervisor at Brockton Heel Company in the 1960’s until their closing in the 1980’s.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and a card club for over 60 years.

Dolores enjoyed long drives with her husband, shopping, and watching the Vermillion Players. She had an eye for fashion and enjoyed dressing nicely. Dolores treasured her family and friends. She was known for her kindness, loyal friendship, and her big heart.

Dolores especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren and making countless memories together that will stay with them forever. She truly was the best mom, mother-in-law, grandma, and friend.

She will be forever missed by all of those who were lucky enough to have known her.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Vermillion Players, or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Calvert and Martin Funeral Home is entrusted with her arrangements.

This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at calvertmemorial.com, or visit on Facebook.