Dorothy Opal Wicker's Obituary
Dorothy Opal (Malcom) Wicker, 93, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2015, at Guest Home Estates II. She was born on October 1, 1921, in Chanute, Kansas, to William Ralph & Ora Lena Malcom. She was the sixth of eight children.
Dorothy graduated from Chanute High School in 1939. As a teenager, she played 2nd base & pitched for a women’s traveling fast-pitch softball team.
On April 4, 1942, she married Raleigh Orrin Wicker in Iola, Kansas. They were married 62 years before he passed away in 2004. They made their home in Chanute, except for the time when Raleigh was in the Army.
Dorothy was a member of the First Baptist Church in Chanute for nearly 63 years. She was involved in the ABWM Ladies Circle and taught children’s Sunday School.
Dorothy was an excellent seamstress. She worked at Baker Manufacturing, a dress factory, after graduating from high school, and later she worked at The Overall Factory. She also did sewing for herself and her family. She would later help Raleigh start their farming business. She helped by driving grain trucks & providing delicious meals, among other things.
Dorothy was a homemaker and an excellent cook. She made many Thanksgiving feasts for her family. She thoroughly enjoyed bowling, participating in bowling leagues and tournaments through the years. She began bowling shortly after graduating high school until 2007, when she could still win against her grandsons when challenged. She worked for the Neosho County Election Board for many years. She also enjoyed watching her six grandsons in their activities.
Survivors include her three children, Dwight (Cheryl) Wicker, Olathe, Glenn (Kathy) Wicker, Chanute, and Janis (Doug) Oehlert, Chanute; her grandchildren, Dan (Kim) Wicker, Allen, TX, Kevin (Tracy) Wicker, Lenexa, KS, Eric (Breanna) Wicker, Newton, KS, Brett (Satinne) Wicker, Chanute, KS, Jeremy (Lauren) Oehlert, Pittsburg, KS, & Nathan Oehlert, Mulberry, KS; her great-grandchildren, Justin Wicker, Jenna Wicker, Kaylie Wicker, Keegan Wicker, Brylynn Wicker, Brailee Wicker, Bristol Wicker, Brielle Wicker, and Jackson Oehlert.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her seven siblings, Earl, Claude, Irene, Floyd, Harold, Edna, & Jean.
A private family burial will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the First Baptist Church on Saturday, August 22, 2015, at 2:00 p.m.
The family suggests memorials to First Baptist Church or to Guest Home Estates II, in care of the funeral home at 101 N. Highland, Chanute.
Countryside Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.
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