Dorothy L. Lowther

Dorothy Lea Lowther, 94, formerly of Joplin, MO passed away May 4, 2016 at Olathe Medical Center Hospice House. Dorothy was born on September 17, 1921 in Columbus, Kansas to John Lee and Cliffie Ellen (Harrison) Carr. She attended Riverton Schools, graduating in 1939. After graduation, she worked for a year as the high school librarian, and then as a secretary for Empire District Electric Company. During WWII she moved to Sacramento, CA, where she was a secretary at Sutter General Hospital. In January of 1945, she returned to the Riverton area and married John Robert (Bob) Lowther in Baxter Springs. They made their home in Riverton, where Bob became a teacher and later principal, and Dorothy was a homemaker. They were active in the Riverton Friends Church. In 1951, Dorothy became secretary to the head of the Insulation Division of Eagle Pitcher Company. In 1963, the family moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where Bob became a principal, and Dorothy, a school secretary. She later worked as secretary for head start, and retired as an accountant for National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health Grants for the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Kansas. After they retired in 1984, the Lowther’s moved to Joplin, Mo to be near family, where they were members of the Byers’ Avenue Methodist Church. In 2010, the Lowther’s moved to Chanute, to be near their daughter. Dorothy was proceeded in death by her husband of 66 years, her parents, and a brother, Robert H. (Bob) Carr. She is survived by her children: Marcia Longberg (Chanute, KS); John Lowther (Lawrence, KS); three grandchildren, Michelle Loomis (Humboldt, KS), Christie Williams (Olathe, KS), and Ben Longberg (Nashville, TN); and 4 great-grandchildren: Joel, Jacob & Cate Williams and Maegan Loomis. Funeral Services will be Monday, May 9, 2016 at 11 am at the Friends Church in Stark. Visitation will be take place prior to service from 10:30 – 11 am at the church. Graveside services will be at 3 pm at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, Joplin, MO. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials can be made to the organization of donor’s choice and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland, Chanute, KS 66720.

Dorothy L. Lowther

September 17, 1921 - May 4, 2016