Pawnee — Liela Virginia Dougherty, 84, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at the Bridge Care Suites in Springfield. She was born Jan. 22, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Lyle and Virginia Makowski Neeman. She married John Jay Dougherty on May 2, 1959, at St. Anthony's Church in Menlo Park, California. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John, in 2014; a son, James L. Dougherty, in 2004; a grandson, Robbie West; and a brother, Glen Neeman.

She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Springfield. Liela worked in the dietary department at St. Joseph's Home in Springfield for over 10 years. She also worked in the cafeteria and was a playground supervisor for Pawnee schools.

Liela graduated from Lakeview High School in St. Claire Shores, Michigan. She and her husband were members of the Chummy Chainers Square Dance Club in Chatham. Liela had many hobbies, including playing cards, feeding people — she was the queen of casseroles, fishing and traveling.

Liela is survived by her two sons, John J. (companion, Penny Chesher) Dougherty Jr. and Jerry Dougherty, both of Pawnee; one daughter, Diana (husband, Jim) Love, of Springville, Alabama; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Kenneth (wife, Jean) Neeman of Downey, California, and Lyle (wife, Kelly) Neeman of Springfield; two nephews; and several cousins.

Liela's family will meet friends from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee, with Pastor Linda Strader officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to St. John's Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62702.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Liela Dougherty. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.