Dorothy Fern Hewitt, 101, of Ottawa, KS passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at the Rock Creek Care Home in Ottawa, KS. after living well at Vintage Park for five years. She was born May 25, 1922 in Homewood, Kansas the daughter of George and Goldie (Rozell) McDowell. She attended elementary school at Mudcreek Rural School near Homewood and later Victory School, a one room school near Osawatomie, Kansas. She continued to attend schools in Osawatomie and graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1939.

On October 19, 1941 she married Richard Hewitt at the United Methodist Church in Osawatomie, Kansas. They shared over 60 years of marriage before Richard's death in 2002.

Six weeks after their wedding was Pearl Harbor - December 7, 1941. Richard was called to service one year later on their anniversary. Dorothy remained in Paola, Kansas working while he was sent to San Antonio, Texas. She joined him several months later in Pampa, Texas near the Air Force Base there. Later she would go with him to Terre Haute, Indiana, and later to Camp Crowder, Missouri before he left for oversea duty in the Philippine Islands. Prior to his departure, she had various jobs at these locations with Civil Service. After Richard's honorable discharge in 1946, they lived in Ottawa, Kansas.Six weeks after their wedding was Pearl Harbor - December 7, 1941. Richard was called to service one year later on their anniversary. Dorothy remained in Paola, Kansas working while he was sent to San Antonio, Texas. She joined him several months later in Pampa, Texas near the Air Force Base there. Later she would go with him to Terre Haute, Indiana, and later to Camp Crowder, Missouri before he left for oversea duty in the Philippine Islands. Prior to his departure, she had various jobs at these locations with Civil Service. After Richard's honorable discharge in 1946, they lived in Ottawa, Kansas.

Dorothy was a "Stay-at-Home Mom" for 13 years until she applied for a job at Ottawa University. She worked in the college president's office starting in 1957. She worked there 22 years as the president's secretary and 5 years in the development office. She retired in May, 1984.

Dorothy was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa, Oxford Service Forum Class, and Methodist Women Circles. She was a charter member of the Ottawa Promenaders, TNT Square Dance Club, and Chippewa Good Sams Camping Club. Dorothy along with Richard started Squareteens, a Jr. High & Sr. High square dancing group. Both Dorothy & Richard served as 4-H Recreation Leaders in Franklin County for over 40 years.

She enjoyed square dancing, working with 4-Hers, camping, and ancestry projects.

She was a true historian who recorded history through her years as it happened. Often people would ask what the secret was to her amazing longevity. She believed her years of square dancing had contributed to her strength and good health.

She is survived by her three daughters Mary Ann Campbell (Tom-deceased) of Shawnee, Kansas, Nancy Sidenstucker of Prairie Village, Kansas, and Sheri Willt (Roger) of Thornton, Colorado; five grandchildren: Christine Wilbur (Curt), Kim Brannan (Mike), Lisa Allen (Jacques), Benjamin Willt (Stephanie), and Amy Downey (Ben). At the time of her death, Dorothy had 20 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Dorothy's pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. One of her favorite things her last few years were visits and phone conversations with her daughters that ended in a prayer. She was often reminded that God would never leave her or forsake her and He didn't. He was faithful to take her home!

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, Ottawa, KS. Interment will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, KS. Family will greet friends for a visitation from10:00 a.m. to the service hour at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Shephard Hospice or Vintage Park of Ottawa sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com .