Dorothy "Dodie" Rilett

Dorothy “Dodie” Rilett, 98, of Mount Vernon, Iowa passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, at Accura of Cascade.  Dodie was born in Marion, Indiana on July 1, 1927, to Mildred (Griffith) and Joe Shewmon. She grew up in Stillman Valley, Illinois, with a zest for life, playing piano, traveling, cooking, and gardening. She graduated from Michigan State University with the pioneer music therapy class, and she worked in this field before marrying Wallace Rilett, DVM.

Dodie loved being a mother, and she raised four children while being her husband’s business manager, the church organist, accompanist for school concerts, contests, and other vocalists.  Later Dodie received a degree from the University of Iowa.  She taught at Olin and Lisbon Elementary schools.  Dodie liked to keep busy. After retiring, she volunteered at the VA Hospital, the History Center, and the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.

Dodie is survived by her children: Kathy (Larry) Pisarik of Cascade, Chris (Bob) Bullis of Colorado, John (Jan) Rilett, and Phil (Sherry) Rilett, all of Missouri; seven grandchildren, Laura (Nate) Oswald, Brice (Erica) Bullis, Erin (Scott) Horsman, Luke (Emily) Pisarik, Kelly (Steve) Walsh, Brett (Julie) Bullis, and Kyle (Shirley) Rilett; and thirteen great-grandchildren, Elise, Vivian and Eleanor Horsman, Lilly, Elin and Beckett Walsh, Michael and Olivia Rilett, Grahm, Lane and Elizabeth Pisarik, and Kellen and Jericho Oswald.

Dodie is preceded in death by her husband and two brothers, Paul and Bruce Shewmon.

A Celebration of Life will be held, 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025, with a visitation from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church. Pastor Becky High will officiate. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, is assisting the family.

Memorials will be sent to Covenant House, St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, and Mercy Ships.