Dorothy E. Maurer

Born May 21, 1928 to the late, Sam and Anna (Somerhalder) Miller in Burlington, Oklahoma as the third youngest child, she had three brothers and six sisters. Growing up on a farm, helping her father with chores, and milking cows by hand, toughened Dorothy for the hard knocks of life that she would face in later years.

Music was always a big part of Dorothy’s life as she played piano and sang with her sisters. She instilled her love for music into her boys, making sure they bypassed those “silly, dangerous sports” and took part in the many musical opportunities throughout their school years. Her inspired appreciation for music has been passed-on to her grandchildren as well, many of whom minister through music in their home churches and communities.

On November 11, 1951 Dorothy married Ervin Maurer, her faithful, loving companion for 62 years. They lived the first 11 years of marriage in Fairbury, Illinois where they had five sons: Sam, Kim, Tom, Lem, and Jim. Their firstborn, Sammy, passed away at 18 months of age with spinal meningitis. The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1962 where Erv and Dort raised their four boys, and where she lived her remaining years, joyful and contented.

Dorothy had a zest for life, a beautiful smile, and twinkling eyes. Her quick wit and sense of humor brought joy and laughter into any situation. She had a living faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, never doubting her relationship to God her Father and the gift of eternal life which she is now experiencing in full.

While small in stature, Dorothy was big in faith and love. She was hospitable, never allowing her small home to be a hindrance in entertaining others. Erv and Dort were a finely-tuned comedy team and true ministers of God’s grace. Together they lifted numerous hearts. Dorothy loved many people, and she is deeply loved.

In her last years, because of her life-long, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Dorothy was able to graciously face the trials of many physical ailments. Through many surgeries and hospital stays, her uplifting demeanor, joyous spirit, and witty comments brought smiles and laughter to many a care-giver.

Left to cherish the memories of Dorothy are her faithful husband, Ervin Henry Maurer, and her four living sons: Kim I. (Ruth) Maurer of Mansfield, OH, Tom O. (Joy) Maurer of Phoenix, AZ, Lem E. (Marilyn) Maurer of Boyden, IA, and Jim I. (Laura) Maurer of Phoenix, AZ. She will also be fondly remembered by 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, a sister, Mary Ann (Richard) Luttrell, and a host of friends and relatives. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, five sisters, one son, and one great-grandson.

The Maurer family will receive guests in visitation on Sunday, November 10, 2013 from 5 to 8 pm at the Green Acres Mortuary and Cemetery in Scottsdale, AZ (401 N. Hayden Rd.). Her funeral service will be held Monday, November 11 on what would have been Ervin and Dorothy’s 62nd Wedding Anniversary. Her sons will officiate the Noon service at Green Acres, with the burial to follow.

Contributions to Dorothy’s memory may be made at the funeral home or sent to Whitton Avenue Bible Church (2601 E. Whitton Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85016).