Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Dorothy Knowlton

(From Parker Mortuary)

Dorothy Faye Warden Knowlton, a lifelong resident of Saginaw, Missouri, passed away at the age of 85 on Sunday, February 5, 2017, after a lengthy medical battle.

Dorothy Faye Warden was born on October 30, 1931, in a small rock house near Saginaw, Missouri. Preceding her in passing was her father Minford Mick Warden, mother Alice “Babe” Green Warden Hood, and her brother Jimmy Warden.

Dorothy is survived by two sisters, Judith A. Swagger of Joplin and Shirley J. White of Fridley, Minnesota, one brother Fred Dale Warden and wife Wynona of Joplin. Also surviving Dorothy are four children, Mary Ann Knowlton Prisch and husband Ron of Joplin, David Lee Knowlton and wife Kyong “Jenny” of New Port News, Virginia, Lary Dale Knowlton and wife Tricia of Heath, Texas, Chris Holland Greninger of Joplin. Dorothy has eight grandchildren, Aaron Knowlton of Joplin, Stacie Mitchel and husband Jason of Carthage, Scott Hoffstatter and wife Bobbie of Neck City, Missouri, Eric Hoffstatter of Joplin, Jennifer Knowlton of Newport News, Virginia, Xan Knowlton, also of New Port News, Virginia, Corey Knowlton and wife Amber of Rockwall, Texas, Brady Knowlton of Rockwall, Texas. Great grandchildren Jacie Mitchell, Colbi Mitchell, Colton Hughes, Caydon Hoffstatter, Corbin Hoffstatter, Ellis Sheffield, Tristan Schmidt, Helena Reece, Avery Knowlton, Ayden Knowlton, Athens Knowlton, Augustus Knowlton, Adriene Hoffstatter, Oakley Hoffstatter and many, many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy grew up in the Saginaw area where she attended Saginaw School first through eighth grade, then went on to graduate high school in 1948 from Neosho High School. She attended Joplin Business College, later in life Dorothy graduated Franklin Technical School with perfect scores as a legal secretary, and courses in computer science. Dorothy was first employed at Ben Franklin’s as a store associate and Jim Walter Homes as a bookkeeper. She also performed bookkeeping and secretarial work for Joplin Home Saving and Loan, the Brady Stevens Companies.

Dorothy was a seamstress and made alterations, of which she performed out of her home, for many years. She was employed at Clark's Good Clothes in North Park Mall performing alterations for Neff’s and Paris VanDeavor Ramsey’s the Oxford Shop. She was employed at MidCon Cables, Medlin Tire Shop, Spain Grinding Services, and was a receptionist and administrative support for Joplin Head Start Program for over twenty years. Dorothy was a Mary Kay distributor and often attended the convention in Dallas, Texas. She was a notary republic for most of her adult life. Dorothy sewed and altered the clothes for the girls of the Miss Missouri pageant from 1977-1979.

At the age of eight Dorothy began playing the piano and at the age of twelve she became the pianist for Saginaw Baptist Church, where she was a member and continued to play there for twenty-eight years. She later became a member of Bethel Baptist Church of Joplin, where she was that church’s pianist for over forty years. Dorothy was also secretary for Saginaw School PTA for many years and served as church secretary as well. She was the Saginaw Baptist Church janitor for over twenty-five years. She was a Sunday school teacher and an assistant song leader.

Dorothy is best remembered by sharing her Christian love through her love of cooking, sewing, singing, and playing the piano, especially duets with her son, Chris Holland Greninger. Dorothy loved hummingbirds, she loved to travel, and ballroom dancing. She will be missed by many, but none more than her lifelong friend, Darlene Hills.

The family would like to express its appreciation and gratitude, especially to all the caregivers, friends, and family whom aided Dorothy in her long and courageous journey with her illness.

Services will be Thursday, February 9, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri with Rev. Bobby Cooper officiating. Music will be provided by pianist Chris Holland Greninger, and soloist will be Catherine Sweeney.

The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Clifford (Bud) Brand, George Carder, Scott Hoffstatter, Eric Hoffstatter, Brady Knowlton, and Fred Warden.

Alternative pallbearers will be Greg Carder, Ron Prisch, and Frank Warden.

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