Dorothy Virginia South

Dorothy was preceded in death by her son, David South; her brother, Kenneth Fortenberry; and her husband of 46 years, Ronald South. She is survived by her three children, Sheri South of Horley, Surrey, England, Donna (Paul) Petersen of Tucson, AZ, and James (Tracey) South of Griffith, IN; six grandchildren, Jason (Samantha) Boyd of Hope Mills, NC, Lillian Boyd of Chicago, IL , Tyler Petersen of Knoxville, TN, Tara Petersen of Tucson, AZ, AJ and McKenna South of Griffith, IN; five great-grandchildren, Serenity, Kieran, Sahara, Chloe, Kayley and Alex Boyd of Hope Mills, NC; brother, Rayford Fortenberry of Merrillville, IN; sister, Edith Crain of Griffith, IN; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Born in Bogalusa, LA on December 20, 1939, Dorothy lived in the area until she married Ronnie on June 23, 1960, and moved to Hammond, IN. She attended Christian Fellowship Church in Hammond for over 50 years, where she and Ronnie raised their three children, the second generation to be raised at CFC. She enjoyed singing in the choir as well as volunteering for Awana and Vacation Bible School. She ran the concession stand and served on the board for Woodmar Boys Baseball for many years. She worked in the cafeteria of different schools in the Hammond school district for many years, as well. She held multiple positions at Strack & Van Til’s before taking the position of Secretary at Christian Fellowship Church. She made the move to Tucson, AZ in 2011. She enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles and reading, especially her Bible. She loved watching movies, especially westerns, and her favorite actor was John Wayne.

The family is so very thankful for the loving care Dorothy received and the friendships she made while living at Desert Oasis Assisted Living for the last two years, as well as the care she received from Casa de la Luz Hospice in her final days.

A Celebration of Life and interment for Dorothy will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307, on Friday, June 12, 2026. Greeting begins in the Chapel at 11:00 am with the service beginning at 12:00 pm. Graveside service immediately afterward. Please wear your favorite color!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the South family.