Dorothea R. Littrell of Denver, passed away at home at the age of 99.
She was predeceased by Wayne Littrell, her husband of 77 years.
Dorothea is survived by 3 daughters and their spouses, Patricia (Dick) Flagg, Littleton CO, Marilyn (Gary) Hollenbaugh, Parachute, CO and Linda (Bob Brown), Littleton CO; her grandchildren Mike (Kathy) Flagg, Milton GA, Molly Flagg, Denver, CO, Jeff (Mary) Hollenbaugh, Marble CO, Brian (Abby) Hollenbaugh, Glenwood Springs, CO;
4 great grandchildren Abbi and Elli Flagg, Milton, GA, Chloe and Sam Hollenbaugh, Glenwood Springs, CO; and many dear and caring friends and neighbors.
Dorothea was born in Mt. Vernon, IL, February 11,1919, to Sam and Josie Highsmith. The youngest of 5 children, she was raised in Haywarden, IA and graduated from Haywarden Senior High School in 1937. She worked at the local grocery in Haywarden while attaining her teaching certification. In 1940 she and Wayne married and moved to Hastings, NE, where she worked on the women’s ward at Ingleside State Hospital for the Insane. During WWII, with Wayne in the Navy in San Diego, Dorothea was an authentic “Rosie the Riveter” working on military planes. In 1946 they settled in Colorado with their 2 daughters and found their dream mountain property and together built their beloved cabin. In 1951, with their family complete, Dorothea and Wayne built their lifelong home on S. High St. in Denver. After retirement, winters were enjoyed in Mission, Texas and summers at their cabin. Antique cars, vintage clothing, and car club activities were their hobbies well into their 90s.
Dorothea was a devoted wife of 77+ years, an extraordinary mother to 3 daughters, a loving grandmother and great grandmother, and dear friend who, in turn, has been blest with the best of friends and neighbors. Dorothea has been known as a multi-talented, versatile and capable strong woman and is recognized as an accomplished seamstress, homemaker (an actual home builder) crafter, artist, painter and epic card player!
Services for Dorothea will be held on Saturday December 1, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary. To leave messages of condolence please visit www.OlingerChapelHill.com
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to A Little Help, 2755 S. Locust St., Suite 220, Denver CO 80222, or Suncrest Hospice, 5700 S Quebec St., Greenwood Village, CO 80111.
