Dorothy Denette (Piper) Lewellen was born in Marion County, Kansas on May 31, 1944 to Charles Emile Theodore Piper and Pauline Agnes (Clark) Piper. She passed away peacefully at home on August 6, 2026.
She was one of eight children born to Charles and Pauline. Her family worked in the fields picking green beans and other produce to make a living.
While working in the strawberry fields in 1958, Dorothy met the love of her life, Bobby Ray Lewellen. They met each other every year in the bean and berry fields until they married on July 27, 1961. While living in Decatur/ Gentry, Arkansas two daughters were joined to this union, Charlyn Raynette on September 11, 1963 and Roberta Joy on November 10, 1964.
In August of 1968 her family moved to Kansas City, Missouri where she attended UMKC obtaining her associates degree in education. She worked at several elementary schools and then worked for Juvenile Court serving as a case worker. She decided to change careers and worked for twenty five plus years at KC Booth Manufacturing Company as a seamstress until she retired.
Dorothy and Bobby moved to Osceola, Missouri in 2007 where they managed the RV Park through the 2010 season. After the passing of her husband she moved to Appleton City, Missouri.
Dorothy enjoyed fishing and camping with family and friends, making cakes for weddings, birthday and special occasions, sewing and making quilts. Dorothy cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Ray Lewellen; grandson, Phillip Zapien; parents, Charles and Pauline Piper; brothers, Charles (Wanda), Theron (Linda), Carl, Garylord and Milton; sisters, Mary (Marvin) Engleman and Euphama (Junior) Melton.
Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Raynette Greathouse (Darryl) Rockville, Missouri and Roberta Zapien (Henry) Independence, Missouri; grandson, Jason Greathouse Rockville, Missouri; granddaughter, Sierra Stoddard (Todd) Appleton City, Missouri; great grandsons, Wyatt Greathouse and Barrett Stoddard; great granddaughter, Harper Stoddard; sisters in law, Connie, Young and Glenda; many nieces, nephews, and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to: Yeater Cemetery in care of Sheldon0Goodrich Funeral Home P.O, Box 384 Osceola, Missouri 64776.
1 Condolence for Dorothy Denette Lewellen
Condolence(1)
Connie Jean Kilgore says
August 15, 2026 at 8:16 amDorothy and Bob lived across the street from us in kcmo. First time I met her she invited me over. Made me feel very welcomed like I was the only person there. She was decorating a wedding cake the biggest cake ever had a fountain beautiful and sewing brides maid dresses for her one of her many nieces, Mikayla. She was so creative and talented. Her grandson Jason and Sierra visiting her and Bob. My son was about 14 then he made friends immediately. Andy went to visit Jason one day, he was staying the weekend. Dorothy was making fried chicken,mash potatoes and white gravy. My son came home just smiling telling me that’s the best fried chicken he had ever ate. She sent home a big Tupperware full. Never forget her kindness. We were community volunteers for Marlboro East neighborhood. Wasn’t long her and Bob became involved. Bob and her would have hay rides at Halloween for all the kids. Christmas gathering all holidays. Dorothy was a beautiful creative hardworking woman inside and out. My heart goes out to all of you.