Dorothy LaBash Waters, 94, passed away on February 1, 2026 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Illinois. Born on April 27, 1931 at Zeigler Hospital in Zeigler Illinois.
Dott was a woman whose life was defined by genuine kindness and remarkable grace. To those who knew her, Dott was the embodiment of a friendly and loving spirit. She carried herself with a natural, quiet elegance, always taking care to be beautifully dressed and perfectly put together. This refined sense of style was often punctuated by her signature love for the color pink, a choice that, much like her affinity for flamingos, reflected her vibrant and cheerful outlook on life.
Dott had a wonderful gift for making those around her feel special, combining her polished presence with the warmth that made everyone feel immediately welcome.
She is survived by her daughter, Darcy Waters of Collinsville, Illinois, her brother, Joseph Labash, and his wife, Linda, of Deland, Florida, and her nieces and nephews, including Michelle and her husband, Jeremy Bidwell of Woodstock, Illinois, along with their daughters, Abigail and Amelia, nephew, Tim Waters of Collinsville, Illinois, niece and nephew, Robin and Dale Waters of Falls Church, Virginia, along with their sons, Samuel, Neil, and Terry, niece, Connie Royston of Edwardsville, Illinois and nephew, Kirk Waters and his wife Dana of Batchtown, Illinois.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 50 years, Lewis Waters. Her parents, Louis LaBash, Senior and Antoinnette LaBash, and her brother Louis LaBash, Junior.
Dorothy attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, majoring in Journalism. It was here that she came to be known as Dott with two t’s. As the story goes, when she submitted her very first article, she looked at her byline and found it somewhat lacking. DOT just seemed rather insignificant, so she added that second “t”. It remained with her ever since.
SIUC is where she met her future husband, Lew Waters. They married in October of 1952. Their marriage, though not without challenges, was long and happy. To be the love of someone’s life is no small achievement. They were, to one another. She began the final chapter of her life, with his death in December of 2001.
Her career included two different intervals at Gardner Advertising Agency in St. Louis, Missouri. She found the television show MAD MEN, to be quite accurate. During a brief relocation to Memphis, Tennessee, she was employed by Grace Chemical Company. This was a very fond memory for her, as this was her first exposure to southern hospitality. Back in St. Louis, she returned to Gardner, for a time, but was interrupted by the birth of her daughter, Darcy. This caused some consternation amongst her employers at Gardner, as at that time, their biggest competitor in St. Louis was Darcy Advertising.
Dott was a very artistic soul. She spent much of the Sixties and a bit of the Seventies engaged in homemaking and a variety of creative endeavors. She was known for, amongst other things, egg ornaments. She enjoyed fashion and interior design. She especially enjoyed a good bargain and found satisfaction in thrifting for almost all her days.
In the early Seventies, she returned to employment, outside of the home. Dott, first worked with Lew, at Tri County, Health and Welfare Agency. It was here, that the esteemed Senator Kenneth Hall, first made her acquaintance. Their office was on the same floor as that of the Senator. He referred to her, simply, as the movie star. This was not hyperbole, as she was truly an exceptionally beautiful woman.
Dott’s final years of employment were spent in Belleville, at the Saint Clair County Mental Health Board. Over the years, through various directors, she strove to contribute her best. She retired in 1999.
There could never be enough fresh flowers in her surroundings. From the simplest Daffodil, to her beloved Orchid Show at the Missouri Botanical Garden, Dott reveled in the joy and beauty of nature. She started at a young age, as she often spoke of her pleasure at gathering Violets for her mother, when just a small girl. After her retirement, she spent many an afternoon working in her unique gardens at her home; first, in Belleville, and later at her final home in Collinsville.
Another of Dott’s great pleasures was her fascination for vintage textiles. She particularly appreciated, works created by women; old lace, bits of crochet and most, notably, hand-made, hand-stitched quilts. Over the years, she accumulated an impressive collection.
Dott also found satisfaction in her substantial collection of glamorous, antique, ladies compacts. A number of years ago, a small segment of her collection was featured in an exhibit at the St. Clair County Historical Society.
Her unique and eclectic decorating style was also a source of satisfaction for Dott. Her Belleville home was featured in a photo spread for the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
Dott had a very kind, soft heart and was easily moved to tears. She held a special spot for small children and animals. Although she loved both cats and dogs, her affinity for dogs was particularly strong. In addition to her human family, she is survived by her dog, Dixie.
Her legacy is one of compassion, poise, and simple joys. We shall forever cherish the memory of her bright smile, and the way she made the world feel a little more colorful and a lot more elegant, just by being in it.
Service information: Visitation will be held at Kurrus Funeral Home, in Belleville, Illinois on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10 AM to noon, and a Memorial Service will be held, beginning at noon.
Interment is Sunday, April 12, at Belle Rive Cemetery. Gather at Kurrus at 10:30 a.m. and leave at 11:00 a.m.
Friends and Family are invited to celebrate a long life, lived with great love and grace.
