Dorothy Mary Holman

Dorothy Holman, born June 29, 1914, on a farm outside Lynch, Nebraska, passed away June 15, 2016, just 14 days shy of her 102nd birthday, Dorothy was the oldest daughter of 8 siblings of Charles and Edna (Grenelle) Hammon and was preceded in death by her parents, son Stephen (2001), husband William (2003), sister Joy, and brothers Russell Colin and Guy.

Dorothy and William (Bill) were married October 5, 1941 in Santa Monica, CA and were married for 63 years. Dorothy and Bill had two children, Steve and Vicki, and raised their family in La Crescenta, CA. Dorothy resided in Southern California for nearly 70 years before moving in 2008 to Tall Grass Creek Retirement Community, in Overland Park, KS, to be closer to family.

Dorothy was an educator and loved working with children. She attended Normal Training, received a rural teaching certificate in 1933, and began her teaching career in a one room school in Lynch, NE. While raising her family in CA, she worked part-time for the Glendale Unified School District, was active in her children’s school activities including Blue Bird, Camp Fire, and Boy Scout leadership positions, and was active with the La Crescenta Valley Methodist Church. After her family was older, Dorothy continued her education with classes at UCLA and Pacific Oaks College and completed her career as the Director of the La Crescenta Valley Methodist Church Co-Operative Pre-School. Upon retirement she and Bill stayed involved with volunteer activities at their church and delivering meals for Meals on Wheels. They also traveled the United States, camped with friends in their trailer as members of the Good Sam Travel Club, enjoyed travelling abroad, and took many cruises. The last trip Dorothy took was to China and walked the Great Wall when she was 86 years young.

Dorothy stayed fit physically by walking daily and gardening, and mentally by playing Bridge and working cross word puzzles. She enjoyed her life at Tall Grass Creek and made many friends who found her to be a worthy Bridge opponent. She especially looked forward to attending weekly services at the Church of the Resurrection. Once Tall Grass had telecasts available, Dorothy attended and participated in the weekly telecasts of The Church of the Resurrection sermons. At the time of her death, Dorothy had been a member of the United Methodist Church, various locations, for over 60 years.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter Vicki Smith (Dennis) of Overland Park, KS; sisters Janet Henson and Helen Baughn, Anacortes, WA, Phyllis Smart, Fountain Hills, AZ, sister-in-law Barbara (Bobbie) Hammon, Jewell, KS; three grandchildren, Brandon Smith (Carolyn), Grain Valley, MO, Jordan Smith (Jaime), Costa Mesa, CA, and Brittney Nelson (Greg), Overland Park, KS; seven great-grandchildren Jaxon, Mason, Weston and Kensingtyn Smith of Grain Valley, MO; Lucas and Avery Nelson, Overland Park, KS, and baby boy Smith expected in August 2016; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Dorothy will be remembered as a loving mother, a devoted wife, a caring and giving teacher, and an enthusiastic Bridge and game player.

At Dorothy’s request, it is suggested that in lieu of flowers donations be submitted to Special Olympics Kansas, 5280 Foxridge Drive, Mission, KS 66202 or Special Olympics California, 1600 Forbes Way, #200, Long Beach, CA 90810, in honor of Dorothy’s son, Stephen W. Holman.