Dorothy Roberta McCreary

Dorothy was born August 15, 1929, in Redding, Iowa, to Jay and Lottie Smith. She graduated from Maloy High School in 1946 and met the love of her life, Robert Eugene McCreary, at a high school dance. They were married on August 7, 1948, in Mount Ayr, Iowa, beginning a remarkable 73-year marriage.

As a Navy wife, Dorothy spent 20 years supporting Robert’s military career while raising their four children. Their life took them across the country, where Dorothy created a loving and nurturing homelife wherever they were stationed. She sewed, quilted, gardened, and canned to care for her family and served as President of the Enlisted Wives Club while Robert was deployed on the USS Enterprise, supporting fellow military families.

Following Robert’s retirement, the family returned to Iowa. Dorothy worked nearly 20 years at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), rising from office clerk to office manager. Together, she and Robert built their cherished acreage outside Prole, Iowa, where they created a home filled with gardens, trees, and lasting family memories.

In retirement, Dorothy and Robert spent years in Florida before settling in Sun City Center. In 2021, they returned to Iowa and resided at Kennybrook Village in Grimes.

Dorothy enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and other crafts, gardening, puzzles, and bingo, but above all, she treasured time with her family. Her warmth, strength, and steady presence defined her life and touched all who knew her.

She is survived by her children: Robert McCreary Jr. (Patricia) of Decatur, Illinois; David McCreary (Imogene) of North Port, Florida; Nancy Ford (Steve) of Granger, Iowa; and Rebecca McCreary (David Tilly) of Adel, Iowa; her grandchildren: Jason McCreary, Catherine Ford (Justin Landhuis), Gregory Ford (Cassie), and Elaine Tilly (Casey); her great-grandchildren; her sister, Donna Murphy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert; her parents, Jay and Lottie Smith; an infant daughter, Janet; grandson, Brian McCreary; her sisters, Shirley Guilliams and Maxine Barnett Norris; and her brothers, Glee Smith, Daryl Smith, Clifford Smith, Victor Smith, and Jack Smith.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Kennybrook Village for their compassionate care and to her friends at Kennybrook for enriching her final few years.

Dorothy will be remembered for a life well lived—one centered on family, hard work, and enduring love.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be addressed to Kennybrook Village to be used for the purchase of BINGO prizes.

Visitation will be held at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265, US, on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

A Committal Service will take place at Conway Cemetery, 2666 200th St, Bedford, IA 50833, US, on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.