Dorothy Hale

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Dorothy Joan Hale, age 93, of Joplin, MO, passed away on May 18, 2025. She was surrounded by loved ones during her time in Freeman Hospital. Dorothy was born September 12, 1931, in St. Louis, MO to Walter C. Olney and Esther Victoria Heath Olney. The family moved to Columbus, KS, when she was four. Dot attended the Columbus schools and graduated with the Class of 1950. 

At the age of 13, she was confirmed as a member of the First United Methodist Church. She served on many committees including Board of Trustees and Church Council. She was a lifetime member of Eastern Star.

On March 24, 1951, Dorothy was united in marriage to Kenneth W. Hale. He preceded her in death on July 18, 2014 after 63 years of marriage. As a young wife, Dorothy focused on caring for her children, Cathy and Skip, serving as Room mother, Scout leader, Dance Mom, Sports Mom, spending years encouraging and cheering for their activities. She and Kenny continued to love attending their grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s events.

Dorothy’s work history included Office Manager for State Farm Insurance and working with Betty McBride in the Cherokee County Treasurer’s office. She then joined the family business, Hale Petroleum.

Remaining to cherish Dorothy’s memory, are her two children, Kenneth W. Hale, Jr. “Skip” and wife Kandi, Joplin, and Cathy Hale Hall, Webb City. She was a loving “Nannie” to her grandchildren, Chris and Kelly Hall, Smyrna, TN, Cori and Nick Reid, Joplin, Dr. Cassie and Camp Campbell, Fairhope, AL, and K.W. Hale, Joplin; and great grandchildren; Lily, Duke, Vivi, and Theo Reid, Hannah and Andrew Hall, and Roux and Rafe Campbell. Also surviving, are beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She loved her family dearly, and her family treasured her.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Kenny, her sister and brother-in-law Betty and Ray Leroy, and her sister Peggy Pierson.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church of Columbus. Burial will follow at the Park Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m., until service time. Pallbearers for the service are; Chris Hall, K.W. Hale, Nick Reid, Camp Campbell, Reed Robinson, Monty Overman, Bud Jesse, and Marcus Kimbrough. Honorary pallbearers are; Charlie Norris and John Gaither. Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church of Columbus or Columbus Community Bomber Field in care of Derfelt Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.