Dorothy Irene (Marvin) Avery, daughter of Warner John and Martha Jane (Gunter) Marvin, was born Feb. 1, 1929 in Oberlin, Kansas, and went to her eternal home on June 3, 2019 at the age of 90.
She grew up in Oberlin and was baptized in Christ at the Oberlin Federated Church. She graduated from Decatur County High School and attended one semester at the University of Kansas. Dorothy dearly loved school and her fondest memories were traveling to and competing in debate tournaments.
On Aug. 25, 1948 Dorothy and Daughn Avery were married and made their home in Oberlin before moving to Colby. They then started their family in 1952, with the arrival of Rachelle Dawn, and then 19 months later with the addition of Cindy Jo.
In 1966, the family moved to Norton, where a life-long friendship and professional relationship was then established with Dick and Mary Beth Boyd, owners of the Norton Daily Telegram. Dorothy worked diligently to establish a new home with the help of Christian Church neighbors: The Dick and Susan Heaton family and the Fred and Joyce Jacobs family.
Her favorite jobs in Norton were working with Eugene Wiltfong as secretary at Eisenhower Elementary School, for Darel Boston at Norton Christian Church, and as an aide for Dr. Merlin Colip at the Doctor’s Clinic. A diagnosis by Dr. Colip allowed her longevity of life. These were not just jobs for Dorothy, they became friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Another life-giving friendship that emerged later in her life was a special bond with the Hauser family. Dorothy and Daughn took great joy in caring for Hadley as an infant. She delighted in every visit from this special family. Dorothy worked with joy and diligence at every job, especially that of homemaking. Anyone who entered her door was a friend and was welcomed graciously.
Dorothy had three passions: dessert, chocolate and bridge. She loved competing in bridge tournaments with her dear friend, Nyla Stuewe. A heart friend, Bev Kohfeld gifted her the perfect plaque: “All you need in life is a friend who has chocolate.”
She was an active member of the Norton Christian Church where she taught Sunday school and was involved in Bible studies. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star Chapter 126, and P.E.O.
Survivors include: two daughters and their husbands, Rachelle “Shelley” Peters and Gary Peters, Hastings, Nebraska; Cindy and Gail Boller, Norton; six grandchildren and their spouses and 13 great-grandchildren: Lindsay and (Nathan) Hendricks: Charli Mae, Piper, Benjamin; Whitney and (Jarrod) Watson: Harper, Hayes, Collins; Clark Walter; Meredith and (Jim) Jones: Aidan, Kade, Kohen, and baby girl on the way; Brett and (Meagan) Peters: Aubrey, Ava, Aasim; Todd and (Mary) Boller: Allie and (Clayton) Beckman; two nephews, Rollie Avery and Barry Avery, and four nieces, Roz Avery, Christy Wesch, Linda Mills, and Kathy Haug.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one sister, Verna Mae Bryan Anderson, one half-brother, Housten Philip Hibberts, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rod and Alyce Avery.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, June 10, 2019 at the Norton Christian Church. Burial will be at 2:30 pm Monday at the Oberlin Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Norton Christian Church or the Northwest Kansas Hospice.
Condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com.