March 3, 2004

The ADVOCATE

Serving Anderson, Southern Franklin and Western Linn Counties

Volume 8, No. 18

Transcribed with permission of Vern Brown



Page 5, Column 3:



“Dotti “Dorthy” Ella Walter

1919-2004

Funeral services for Dotti “Dorthy” Ella Walter, 84, Welda, KS, were Saturday, February 28,

2004, at 10:00 a.m. at Farris-Feuerborn Memorial Chapel with Rev. Gary Benjamin officiating. 

Interment was in Welda Cemetery, Welda, KS.  Mrs. Walter died Wednesday, February 25, at

Golden Heights Living Center, Garnett.

Dotti Ella Walter was born December 10, 1919, at Lone Elm, KS, the daughter of Arthur and

Ruth (Marshall) Church.  After graduating high school in Lone Elm, she attended Pittsburg State

College and received a teacher’s certificate.  She also attended Ottawa University summer

school session.  After receiving her certificate, she taught in several country schools, including

Oxford, Prairie View, Parker Rural, and Buzzard Roost, the latter near Lone Elm.

On July 13, 1941, Dorthy was united in marriage to Joseph Emery Walter at Burlington, KS. 

Four sons were born to this union, Smithy, Leland, John, and Ronald.  Joe and Dorthy made their

home at Welda, KS, for 61 years before moving to Golden Heights Living Center in Garnett in

2002.

Dorthy attended Welda United Methodist Church, and was a member of the Mulberry EHU,

Friendship Quilting Club, and the Pieces and Patches Quilting Club.  Besides working on the

family farm and milking cows, she worked for Nicholas Grocery in Welda, then for the Anderson

County Hospital in the kitchen.  She later took a correspondence course in dietary from Alburn

University out-reach.  She then worked at Allen County Hospital in the dietary department until

her retirement.

She was an avid quilter and made many beautiful quilts, always looking for another interesting

pattern to add to her collection.  You could always catch her at her sewing machine, sewing for

her grandchildren, or crocheting some new afghan.  The last few years, she had to give up her

love of sewing as her eyesight started to deteriorate.  Having a yard full of beautiful flowers was

also a passion of Dorthy’s.  She was always trying to find a new spot to plant some new blubs or

a new kind of plant.

Music was provided by Rosalyn Kellstadt, organist, and Morgan Walter, vocalist.  Musical

selections included “In The Garden” and “Amazing Grace”.

Casketbearers were Kevin Walter, Keith Walter, Ryan Walter, Shane Walter, Nathan Walter,

Jerry Dreher, and Patrick Falcon.

Mrs. Walter was preceded in death by her son, Joseph Smith (Smithy), in 1987; her parents,

Arthur and Ruth Church; her sister, Sarah Ruth Barron; and her brother, Wayne Church.

Dorthy is survived by her husband, Joe, of Golden Heights Living Center; her sons, Leland and

his wife, Janice, Kincaid, KS, John and his wife, Paula, Welda, KS, and Ronald and his wife,

Glenda, Colony, KS; ten grandchildren, Kevin Walter, Manhattan, KS, Keith Walter, St. Joseph,

MO, Robin Geer, Garnett, Ryan Walter, Garnett, Shane Walter, Oswego, KS, Nathan Walter,

Manhattan, KS, Natalie and Morgan Walter, Welda, KS, Cathy Creher, Iola, KS, and Nita Walter,

Dodge City, KS; one step-granddaughter, Janel Moody, Garnett; seven great-grandchildren,

Kaeleah and Karlie Hronek, Garnett, Spencer and Samantha Walter, Garnett, Lanie Walter,

Manhattan, KS, Caitlin Dreher, Iola, KS, and Breckyn Falcon, Dodge City, KS; two

step-great-grandchildren, Russell and Michelle Prater, Garnett; and her brothers, Dale Church and

Joseph Church, both of Colony, KS.

The family received friends on Friday, February 27, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Welda Community Building.

Farris-Feuerborn Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.”



Transcribed for 

Anderson County

Kansas

USGENWEB

By:  Lulu B. Nixon