Dorothy Helen Grimes

Dorothy Helen Grimes, Arlington, Texas passed away on Saturday, February, 27th, 2016 at her home. Dorothy was born on July 4th, 1926 to Howard and Ruth Bagby in Arkansas City, Kansas. Dorothy was the last living Granddaughter of Civil War Union Soldier, John Awalt, who was discharged in 1865, Appomattox, VA.

Dorothy attended schools in Arkansas City and graduated from Arkansas City High, Class of 1944. Dorothy went on to attend Saint Mary’s Hospital Nurses Training and graduated, receiving her Nursing Certificate in 1947. During her nurses training, she met and married Loren Grimes in the Arkansas City Church of Christ. They were married on February, 14th, 1948.

Loren and Dorothy moved to Elgin, IL, where Loren attended Watchmakers Training and Dorothy worked in the Illinois State Hospital. Loren and Dorothy returned to Arkansas City and established Grimes Jewelers in 1951. Dorothy worked as a nurse for a time then became a fulltime Mom to Marcia, Steve and Tom. While Loren worked at and owned Grimes Jewelers, Dorothy also had various roles in the family business.

During the next 30 years, Loren and Dorothy established the legacy of their love for people and serving the Lord. Dorothy and Loren studied the Bible with many people, and worked in many areas of the church. One of Dorothy’s favorites was making Bible lessons and teaching children the Bible. Also during this time another favorite thing for them to do together were mission trips to Hawaii, New Zealand, and Ecuador, just to name a few. There were many places and people, and it was rare that Dorothy ever met a stranger. Dorothy and Loren were always having people in their home, from church members to people just passing thru town or preachers on the road. Dorothy was always busy, going and doing and enjoyed many things like reading and word-finds. Dorothy always had a smile or a kind word for those who needed it, and sometimes…when she thought they needed something of a different, harsher variety of “encouragement/truth”, she shared that with them as well.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her father Howard and her mother Ruth, brothers, Harold, George, Ted and Roy. Also preceding her in death was her husband, Loren, son, Steve, and grandson, Lane.

Dorothy is Survived by a brother, Donnie and wife Maxie of Bureleson, Texas, daughter, Marcia and husband Marshall, of Arlington, Texas, son, Tom and wife Jennifer, of Norman, Oklahoma, granddaughter Mason Grimes, grandsons, Justin Goggans, Tyler Grimes, and Ethan Grimes. Dorothy is also survived by nieces and nephews who she always loved and enjoyed.

Services will be graveside in Arkansas City, KS at Parker Cemetery on Saturday, March 12th, at 11:00AM. Floyd McClaskey will officiate. Following the service it would be an honor to visit with friends and family at the Arkansas City Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, any memorial donations should be made to Hospice. Dorothy will be honored by your choosing to give to others as she always enjoyed doing that, too. Thank you all!