Dorothy Louise (Grothusen) Remley (1911-2018)
Dorothy Louise (Grothusen) Remley, 106, passed away Sunday, June 24, 2018 in Ellsworth. She was born Sept. 12, 1911 to William and Christine (Strella) Grothusen in Ellsworth County. She grew up on a farm just west of the Ellsworth Good Samaritan Village. She graduated from Ellsworth High School and became a registrar of deeds and abstracts, working for Mr. Wellington and Mr. Wilson and had quite a career as an executive secretary.
Dorothy married Claude W. Remley on Jan. 24, 1937. They lived in Ellsworth where he was the manager of the gas service company. They were later transferred to Beloit where they lived until he retired. Upon retirement they returned to Ellsworth to care for their mothers and built a new home. Claude passed away in 1979 and Dorothy remained in Ellsworth living on her own well into her 80s. She then resided at the Good Samaritan Village.
Dorothy is survived by three children, Max Remley (Carol) of Penfield, N.Y., Phyllis Guinn (Greg) of Wichita, and Nadine Durham (Jerry) of Randall; six grandsons, Jeffrey Remley (Brett Pietrasz), Sean Remley (Jesse), Bryce Guinn (Stacy), Kevan Guinn (Ashley), Jacob Kruse, Andrew Kruse (Lauren Proffer); step-grandson, Steve Durham (Susan); great grandchildren, Emma, Sarah, and Grace Remley, Maverick and Gauge Guinn, and Fisher and Adler Guinn; step-great grandchildren, Zachary and Tanner Durham; brother, Dale Grothusen (Dorothy) of Salina; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Claude; and brothers, Ralph, Lloyd, and Jack Grothusen.
Dorothy was an avid birdwatcher, a wonderful homemaker, a fabulous cook, and an exceptional seamstress. For her daughters, she sewed many prom dresses and twirling costumes and even made their wedding gowns. In her 80s, she served on the Ellsworth city council, always giving back to her church and her community. She loved to play her organ, enjoyed playing bridge, and drove many of her friends to bridge clubs even into her 90s. She lived a long and full life, always gracious yet spunky. We will miss her smile, her wink, her wit and her fabulous kolaches. She left us with a memorable quote, “Let’s just put our lipstick on and get this done!”
Visitation is 1-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth.
Funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 28, at First Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth County Medical Center, or Good Samaritan Society, Ellsworth, in care of Parsons Funeral Home, Box 45, Ellsworth, Kan. 67439.
Condolences may be left at parsonsfh.com
