Dorothy Green

(From Parker Mortuary)

Dorothy Marie (nee Maier) Green left this world to enter her heavenly home on December 12, 2025 after gracing this earth as its sweetest angel for 100 years with love, kindness and service. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday August 2, 1925, to her parents Michael Maier and Anna Salzinger Maier, lovingly known to her as Papa and Mama. They were immigrants from Germany. 

Dorothy often proudly reminisced about her father as a master carpenter and her mother as a seamstress. Sewing was a skill passed on to her and a hobby that she shared with many through hand adorned tea towels and tablecloths.

Dorothy graduated from Guardian Angel Catholic School in Kansas City and then from Loretta Academy and Huff Business College. She went to work for General Electric in KC and that’s where she met the love of her life – Robert Lawrence Green (preceded in death December 9, 2003). They married on May 13, 1950 and were an incredible example of God’s plan for marriage, friendship and hospitality toward each and every one they encountered. They moved to Joplin in 1966 where Bob began the business of Green-Yates Appliances which served Joplin for 51 years.

Bob said he wanted a big family and that’s what they had. Their union brought six children, 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Family were like friends and hundreds of friends were more like family. Like Jay and Joanne Sams with whom they shared life and travel going to the horses races, the lake and other destinations along with Bob and Libby Jennings who owned the local McDonald’s. Through their friendship, Dorothy worked at McDonald’s as the first STAR, store activities representative, hosting parties and greeting customers. She retired in 1984 but she was the consummate hostess for decades more.

A lifelong Catholic, Dorothy was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church serving more than 40 years on the bereavement committee, holding leadership positions including President of the Altar Society and Region 1 Council of Catholic Women and as a library aid and cafeteria helper at St. Mary’s Elementary where she became an honorary grandmother to several generations of students.

Dorothy gave a lifetime of service to the community as a volunteer and member of St. John’s Auxiliary, Women’s Club of Joplin, Home Medical Equipment for Arthritis Association and as a Girl Scout, Brownie and Boy Scout Leader. She coordinated Thanksgiving meal deliveries for St. John’s Hospital, volunteered at Crosslines Churches, Meals on Wheels and St. Peter’s Outreach House.

Dorothy led by example and put others before herself. Her lifestyle of gratitude, sense of humor and quick wit endeared her to all who knew her. She demonstrated resilience and strength while at the same time grace and gentleness. A follower of Christ and humble servant, her life of 100 years touched many others who are better for having known her.

She is survived by four daughters and two sons: Nancy (Green) McGrew and husband Charlie, Laurie Green and husband James Kurtz; Robert L. (Larry) Green, Jr and wife Nancy Clifford, Debbie (Green) Peterson and husband Andrew (Pete), Greg Green and wife Lisa; and Bobbi (Green) Gassel and husband Dan.

Dorothy had 17 grandchildren many of whom she cared for after school treating them with Oreos and participated in all of their fundraisers. They are: Chris McGrew, Kelli Lesley and husband Nathan, Katie Wieberg and husband Derek, Elizabeth Kurtz and husband Juan Antonio Alonso, Laura Kurtz and

husband Aaron Smith, Mike Kurtz, Robert L. Green III and wife Melissa, Alexandra Green, Andrew Green, Phillip Peterson and wife Caroline, Stephanie Lynch and husband Adam, Miranda Green, David Green, Mike Gassel, Amy Gassel, Claire Gassel and Hank Gassel.

She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren: Jackson, Audrey, Andrew, Landry, Jimmy, Daniel, Corey, Laurita, Lucy, Robert L. Green IV (Ren), Maggie, James, Henry, Isaac and Isabelle.

The family greatly appreciates the love, concern and special care given by the staff at Foxberry Terrace Assisted Living. And also is grateful for the support and care from Good Shepherd Hospice.

Visitation is scheduled for Monday December 15 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 16.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Joplin Area Catholic School System (JACS) or St. Peter’s Outreach House.

Funeral arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO.