Dorothea Eunice Rorebeck was born on June 28, 1925, in Neosho, Missouri to Walter and Thelma Rorebeck. They lived on a farm west of Stella in the Cartmell community where she attended school at Meeks and Stella Schools. The family moved to Mission, Texas, where she attended Sharyland schools for a short time, later returning to Stella.
The family was forced to move to the Exeter Community when their land was taken for the building of Camp Crowder. Dorothea graduated from Exeter High School as valedictorian of the Class of 1942.
She was awarded a scholarship to Draughon Business College in Springfield, later returning to Cassville to work at the ASC offices during the war. She was a bookkeeper for many years, working at JC Kenney Motors, the Barry County Clerk’s Office, the Chamber of Commerce and others. She later worked in real estate and tax preparation.
On September 17, 1944, she was united in marriage to Hollis Cox in Bentonville, Arkansas. They were the parents of Becky Preddy and David Cox. The family made their home in Cassville, moving into the Cox family home in 1957, where Dorothea was still living at the time of her death. Hollis and Dorothea were lifelong members of the First Baptist Church in Cassville.
During the 1980’s Dorothea began working for the U.S. Census Bureau. An outstanding interviewer, she worked for a number of research companies associated with the University of Chicago, Duke University, the University of North Carolina, and North Carolina State. She retired when Hollis became ill.
Dorothea was a proud member of the DAR, the DAC, Colonial Dames, and the Moody (SD) County Historical Society.
Dorothea was preceded in death by her husband, Hollis; her parents, Walter and Thelma Rorebeck; an infant brother, Sherman Ward Rorebeck; two brothers, Walter Donald Rorebeck and George Ronald Rorebeck and a sister, Mary Elizabeth Phipps.
She is survived by her children, Becky Preddy and her partner, Stephen Chandler of Springfield and David Cox and his wife Kelly of Cassville. The pride of her life was her grandchildren, April Lawson (Chris) of Springfield, Amber Cox (Kyle Hudson) of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Ryan Preddy of Butterfield; step-grandchildren, Ryan Truman (John) of Billings and Miles McNeill (Tara) of Nixa. Also surviving are precious great-grandchildren, Bowen Preddy of Butterfield and Cooper Lawson of Springfield, as well as step-great-grandchildren, Abby and Morgan Truman of Billings and Rory and Declan McNeill of Nixa and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Also surviving is special friend and caregiver, Kathy Stephens of Washburn.
Never at a loss for words, Dorothea never met a stranger and made a host of friends throughout her long life. She had an enthusiasm for life and was never afraid to face new challenges and reinvent her life. She fought a brave 5-month battle against sarcoma, facing each hurdle with humor and a positive outlook. She was an example of courage for all who met her during this difficult journey. She nurtured many children who simply called her Granny, her favorite role in life.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 23, 2019 at Horner Cemetery in Cassville under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Elder Alan Dodson will conduct the services.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.
Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society in memory of Dorothea.
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