Dorothy Florence Stobber (nee Neel), 102, beloved sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; passed away quietly on Jan. 30, 2015.
Dorothy was born Oct. 6, 1912, in Adair, Okla., the third of Bert and Nevada Neel’s five children.
The daughter of a well-respected dentist, she and her siblings were instilled early with a respect for learning and culture, especially music. One of her most prized possessions throughout her life was her violin.
After spending most of her first three-plus decades in her home state of Oklahoma, Dorothy moved north in 1945 to East Troy. That is where, after meeting and marrying the love of her life Burton “Smoky” Stobber, she spent the rest of her many years.
It is almost impossible to do justice to such a long and full life in a few words. Which moments do you choose? Perhaps it’s better to think of all ways Dorothy touched the lives of her neighbors, her lifelong friends, and of course her family.
Perhaps, when talking about a life so long and so rich, its best to remember all of the many Fourth of July barbecues, the Christmas celebrations with their piles of presents and visits from Santa Claus, the elaborately decorated cakes for grandchildren’s birthdays, the coins and bills that filled grandchildren’s pockets whenever the carnival was going down the street, the little piece of the south she brought north with her in the form of iced tea enjoyed in lawn chairs on hazy summer afternoons.
Or perhaps it’s enough to remind ourselves that while Dorothy was with us, everyone who knew her could take comfort in know that she loved them more than anyone could. And in passing, we can take comfort in knowing that somewhere she is again dancing, smiling, with her beloved Smoky.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Burton “Smoky” Stobber; brother and sisters, Bob, Iva Nell, Bea, and Miriam; and her son-in-law Scott.
She is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
The family will hold services for Dorothy at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at St. Paul’s Church, 2665 North St., East Troy. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
Friends and family are invited and encouraged to come, pay respects and celebrate the life of a wonderful, strong woman who we will all miss dearly.
Legacy Funeral Services in East Troy has the honor of serving the family.
