Dorothy Simpson

Dorothy Daun Starr Simpson died at 3:45 p.m. Aug. 21, 2014 at Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab Center in Stronghurst, IL.

She was born on Sept. 7, 1929 in Scott City, KS, daughter of Dewey and Frances Neal Starr. She attended elementary school in Scott City and graduated from Ouray, CO High School in 1947. She attended Colorado Womens College in Denver as an art major.

On Feb. 13, 1949 she married Milton Simpson in Scott City. He preceded her in death on Apr. 4, 2009. They moved to Stronghurst, IL in 1951. After many years as a stay-at-home mother, Dorothy started to work part-time, first at the Hurry Back Caf and then at Madges Sundries. She became a United States Postal employee in 1970 and remained in the Stronghurst Post Office for over 27 years.

Dorothy began playing the piano and organ for church services, weddings, and funerals at the age of twelve. She was a member of the Stronghurst United Methodist Church where she played the organ and piano for over 55 years. She also played for school music contests and programs. A survivor of the polio epidemic in 1951, she was an early March of Dimes campaign organizer in Stronghurst. She was an active member and officer in the Stronghurst American Legion Auxiliary Unit #765 for over 60 years. She was very artistic and an excellent seamstress. She enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens, her pet dogs, baking, and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors are two daughters Fran (David) Work of Gladstone, IL and Jane (Jim) Miller of Stronghurst, IL, three grandsons Chris Miller of Macomb, IL, Eric (Katie) Work of Burlington, IA and Alex Work of Biggsville, IL, two great-grandchildren Audrey and Cameron Work of Burlington, IA, one sister Tava See of Scott City, KS, three nephews, one niece, and several great-nephews and great-nieces. She was preceded by her husband and her parents.

No visitation or funeral services are planned. Cremation rites have been accorded. Private burial services in the Stronghurst Cemetery will be at a later date. Banks & Beals of Stronghurst is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the American Legion Auxiliary Nurses Scholarship, the Stronghurst Ambulance Service, or the Shriners Hospitals for Children.