Dorothy Jean Shuler

Dorothy grew up in and around California, a journey that eventually led her to Yucca Valley, where her life was forever changed after meeting the love of her life, Richard F. Shuler, in nearby Twentynine Palms, California. Together, they built a life grounded in love, faith, and service.

A devoted Marine wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Dorothy was lovingly known as “Mom” to more than fourteen children around the world: many by heart rather than by birth. Though she often believed her impact was only a drop in the ocean, her life created ripples that touched countless lives near and far. Dorothy never went anywhere without making a friend; wherever she went, she left knowing someone and being known and loved in return.

Dorothy had a deep love for cooking and feeding people, believing food to be one of the purest expressions of love. She nourished others both in body and in spirit, welcoming all to her table with warmth, generosity, and encouragement. Her joy came from serving others through Jesus Christ, finding purpose in meeting needs, offering prayer, and extending compassion wherever she went. No one ever left her presence hungry, whether for a meal, comfort, or hope.

She loved traveling and exploring the country with her husband in their RV, always in search of the next everyday adventure. Dorothy was especially fond of epic shortcuts, often choosing directions by the flip of a coin, believing the journey itself was more important than the destination. No matter where she was, she made time for family, especially her grandchildren. In every place she discovered, she had a remarkable gift for turning strangers into friends.

In recent years, Dorothy found creative ways to stay connected with grandchildren near and far, spending countless hours on her game system building worlds together in her favorite game, Minecraft. Those moments—creating, exploring, and simply talking about life—became deeply cherished memories. From anywhere in the world, Dorothy mentored, encouraged, and loved deeply.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was central to her life and evident in her daily actions. She lived her faith openly and consistently, joyfully serving others and leaving a lasting example of Christ’s love to all who knew her.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her youngest son, Robert, in 1999. She is survived by her beloved husband of 48 years, Richard; her siblings Joanne, Cheryl, and Steve; her daughter Janenne; her son Isaac; her grandchildren; and numerous deeply loved children around the world.

Dorothy Jean Shuler will be remembered for her boundless love, joyful sense of humor, servant’s heart, welcoming spirit, adventurous soul, unwavering faith, and the many lives she touched. Her legacy lives on in every life she fed, befriended, served, guided, and loved through Christ.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Linwood Baptist Church 205 3rd Street, Linwood, Kansas 66052