Dorothy May DeGraffenreid

Dorothy May Bates DeGraffenreid, of Bolivar, Missouri was born youngest child of Desmond and Hattye May (Akins) Bates. Dorothy was born in St. Louis, Missouri and passed away Sunday, December 20, 2009. She was enrolled in the cradle roll at the age of two weeks in the 4th Baptist Church in St. Louis. She was saved during a revival in 1936 and was baptized the following Sunday. In 1943 she moved her church letter to the 3rd Baptist Church in St. Louis. On December 22, 1998 she moved her letter to the First Baptist Church in Bolivar where she remained a member. Upon graduating from High School she attended Business School and upon completion there she was hired by Famous Barr Company as an assistant to the company auditor. On July 31, 1943 she married Charles DeGraffenreid in St. Louis, Missouri. While still living in St. Louis they had their first son, Kelly. After the war was over Charles and Dorothy moved to Polk County, Missouri. Two years after the move, second son, Ronnie Charles was born. Two and one half years later the twins, Terry & Jerry were born. Three years later along came Rick and finally Randy. All this time she was adjusting to farm life of which she knew nothing. However, she learned to milk, can and freeze vegetables, take care of the garden and most of all take loving care of her wonderful family. She was always so very proud of all her sons and their accomplishments. She was so very proud of her daughter-in-laws. She was thrilled when her husband and sons were saved. Dorothy began her working careers as a bookkeeper for the Ford Agency in Bolivar in 1957. Working there until she made the move to Drs. McGraw-Koon and Kahler in 1962. Later she was office manager for Dr, Kahler in the Pomme de Terre Med-Surge Clinic. This lasted 22 years. She enjoyed her work in the medical field. Retiring with her husband she enjoyed visiting their sons and daughter-in-laws, going on trips with them, the family coming home on weekends and holidays, all were treasured memories. The love she had for her family was beyond dreams. Only the love of her Lord and Savior surpassed them. After moving her letter to the First Baptist Church of Bolivar and joining the Travelers Sunday School Class she came to love the members for THEIR love and support. Friends are Gods way of giving us hugs when we need a hug. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, brother, sister and her beloved son Ronnie Charles DeGraffenreid and grandsons, Shawn and James DeGraffenreid. She leaves to mourn her passing her loving husband, Charles with whom she shared 66 wonderful years, sons Kelly and his wife Donna of Monett, MO, Terry and his wife Sharon of Cassville, MO, Jerry and his wife Marian of Forsyth, MO, Rick and his wife Alexis of Ava, MO, Randy and his wife Linda of Pilot Point, TX. Also very special grandchildren, Stacy and David DeSutter of Sarcoxie, MO, Shane and Mindy DeGraffenreid of Preston, MO, Laura and Jason Simac of Madison, WI, Terri Lynn DeGraffenreid of Cassville, MO, Shannon and Wes Culver of Forsyth, MO, Ryan DeGraffenreid of Miami, FL, Baron and Tina DeGraffenreid of Bolivar, MO, Kya and Mark Wheeler of Springfield, MO, Brad and Sarah Wilkerson of Prosper, TX. and Natalie (who spent so many summers at the farm) DeGraffenreid of The Colony, TX, Casey Irby and Jeremy Irby both of Columbia, MO, great grandchildren, John T., William, Chloe May DeGraffenreid, Allie and Emma Simac, Alexie Irby, Reagan and Jayce Culver, Joshua Gamble of Lexington, KY, Cooper and Jaydee Kate DeGraffenreid of Franklin, KY, Dakota Crouch, Madysen and Mason Wheeler, Haley and Ryder Wilkerson. Her daughter-in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren were all so very special. Funeral services will be held at 1:30pm, Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at the First Baptist Church in Bolivar, Missouri with Dr. Ray Leininger and Rev. Bill Hooper officiating. Musical selections will be Ten Thousand Years, Wind Beneath My Wings, On Eagles Wings, The Anchor Holds by Brad Wilkerson. A congregational song will be Amazing Grace. Burial will follow at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Aldrich, Missouri under the care and direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar, Missouri with Bagpiper, Stephanie Lipe playing Amazing Grace. Pallbearers will be Shane, Baron, Ryan, and Cody DeGraffenreid, David DeSutter and Mark Wheeler. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00pm, Tuesday evening at the First Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3322 S. Campbell, Suite P, Springfield, Missouri 65807. Friends and family may sign the guestbook or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Dorothy May DeGraffenreid

December 9, 1924 - December 20, 2009