Dolores A. (Laurent) Wright, 88, of Hillsboro, died peacefully on July 10, 2026, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, surrounded by the love of her family.
A graveside service will be held at Cress Hill Cemetery in Hillsboro, per her wishes, for family and close friends on Friday, July 24 at 1 p.m. Pastor CJ Dyas will officiate.
Mrs. Wright was born on March 12, 1938, to the late Clarence and Erma Laurent. She married the love of her life, the late James Lee Wright, and together they built a beautiful life, residing in Hillsboro for their entire lives.
She was born and raised in the Lutheran faith, having attended Our Saviors Lutheran Church for many years; the past two years she has been attending Hillsboro Free Methodist Church.
Throughout her life, Mrs. Wright was incredibly well-known for her exceptional cooking abilities and her talent for dog grooming. She dedicated nearly 35 years as a cook at The Country Squire before continuing her culinary path at Casey’s General Store. There, she spent 30 years perfecting their famous pizza and donuts, ultimately retiring in August 2025.
Beyond her work, she was a dedicated member of the Hillsboro Pinochle Club since 1974, deeply enjoying their monthly gatherings and decades of friendship. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family and friends and she always loved settling in for a good television program at the end of the day.
Mrs. Wright’s warmth, hard work and love for her community and family will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A devoted mother and family matriarch, Mrs. Wright raised, and is survived by, five children who all remain close to home in the Hillsboro area: Cindy Duncan (husband Dann), Sue Stege (husband Dave), Sally Harmon (husband John), Sherry Greenwood (husband Scott) and Darren Wright (wife Jill). One brother also survives, John (Becky) Laurent of Hillsboro.
She was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, leaving behind a rich legacy through eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, including Lisa (Duncan) White (husband Brian), Joshua Gorsage (wife Amanda), Danny Duncan (wife Katie), Holly (Gorsage) Leetham (husband Randy), Tessa Pulliam (husband Spencer) and Aliese (Greenwood) Fenske (husband Steven), Craig Harmon (wife Amber) and Kerby Harmon (wife Brianne).
Preceding her in death are her parents, Clarence and Erma Laurent; her husband, James Lee Wright; son, Danny; and her sister, Sharon Boltz.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mrs. Wright’s memory to Montgomery County Animal Control in Taylor Springs.
Hough-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence or to order flowers, please visit www.houghdeanfh.com.
