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March 16, 2015

Barb Luetke sent this in a letter to Penn Valley Meeting dated March 6, 2015:

I have many sweet memories of Dorothy, who was a fairly regular attender to Penn Valley Meeting in the days when the Luetke-Stahlman family lived in Olathe and were (for the most part) members. I think of her as a quiet woman who was always kind to me and those in my family. I was inspired that she, Rachel, and Matthew walked to Meeting. 

 

January 19, 2015

What I've been thinking about these last few weeks and what I will miss the most about my grandmother is the conversations we’d have late at night after everyone had gone to sleep. She'd ask about things in my life and it would remind her of stories from her life. Like someone said, she was loyal. There was something touching and loving about how passionate she'd become in defending family or friends whenever she told stories of times they'd been treated unfairly. Another thing is more than most people I know she was interested in hearing about the little details of day to day life some people wouldn't be interested in. Lastly her sense of humor. She laughed a lot and every day I come across things I know she would have thought were hilarious. My grandmother's effect on my life is incalculable and I could probably go on forever thinking of all the stories and the constant feeling of love and support, but what I think I'll remember most about her is having hour long conversations, late at night, long after it was time for bed,

- Matthew MacNair at Dorothy's Memorial Service

January 19, 2015

There were 4 children in my family. When I was 4 years old Dorothy was 16. One time when we were playing hide ‘n seek she lifted me up and removed one of the ceiling tiles put me up in there and put the tile back. Then our parents came home and I was up there wondering what would happen? Would she tell our parents so they would rescue me and we’d both be in big trouble? Or would she come rescue me herself? Finally I heard a tapping. She sneaks me out and we get away with it and it was our secret for life.

- Margaret Kelso at Dorothy's Memorial Service

January 19, 2015

It is always too soon to say good-bye to a dear friend. I’ve been gathering little beads of memories. Dorothy and I began our friendship when the Meeting was held at Theasles Farm where we could all go and enjoy the outdoors. Dorothy and Daniel and Joseph and I went hiking together following one of the fence lines a long long way. I knew Dorothy was a friend to me when Daniel spoke to me.

One thing I remember was her laugh and gentle perverse sense of humor. We commiserated over the ending of our marriages. We were joyful and amazed by Matthew’s arrival. She inspired me with her ethic of reading a good book before dusting.

We comforted each other when first Rachel went to live in a teepee at Earlham and the Joseph went away to Scattergood. She could cut to the core of any issue with a clarity that was remarkable. I’m thankful for the privilege of her counting me as one of her friends. 

Jan Powell at Dorothy's Memorial Service

January 19, 2015

Dorothy was my aunt, my mother’s sister. She was tenatious and fiercely loyal. I loved her laugh and the warmth of her smile and her hugs. I’m grateful to have had her as an aunt.

- Marlo Kindermann at Dorothy's Memorial Service

January 19, 2015

I never got to know Dorothy very well during the time she attended this Meeting. I do remember three things about her though. At the time most families in this area were sending their children to suburban schools Rachel went to Paseo. At that time there were only about 7 white kids in the whole school so that took courage on both Rachel’s part and on Dorothy’s part. My second impression had to do with Rachel becoming involved in peace work and right-to-life work. Dorothy seemed to support her in all these endeavors that often made her so much different than her peers. Third I was treasurer of this Meeting for several years and I could always count on Dorothy to make a significant contribution. She clearly considered this Meeting family.

- John Griffith at Dorothy's Memorial Service

January 19, 2015

I didn’t know Dorothy well but remember the tones and rhythms of her speech. I think she would have made a real good friend to my mother who died about a year ago. I like to imagine that they might be here right now getting acquainted for the first time and might really like each other.

-Chloe Wagner at Dorothy's Memorial Service

January 19, 2015

I don’t come from a Quaker background. In my tradition we say a prayer called Kaddish for a deceased parent every day for 11 months. I can only judge Dorothy by the values lived by Rachel and Matthew. Her family exemplifies a parent who lived a good life.

- Rich Kauffman at Dorothy's Memorial Service

January 19, 2015

I didn’t know Dorothy but I do know Rachel and Matthew. From what I know of Rachel and Matthew I know Dorothy must have loved fiercely and very strongly. I also get an image of a mother bear. I may be wrong but I get the feeling through the words of Matthew and Rachel.

Shirley Scritchfield At Dorothy's Memorial Service

January 19, 2015

I haven’t seen Dorothy for a long time. But what comes to mind for me is her voice. She had a distinctive voice and I think distinctive things to say as well. It makes me wish I had taken more time to have conversations with her.

Karin McAdams at Dorothy's Memorial Service

January 19, 2015

Some philosopher once said that the most accurate autobiography we ever write is our checkbooks. Ginger and I have have been treasurers of Penn Valley Meeting for a lot of years, Some people give out of a sense of obligation. We’ve gotten to know Dorothy as a person of thankfulness, generosity and joy. One that exudes thankfulness for all she’s been given and sincerely wanting to share that thankfulness with others.

- Jim Kenny at Dorothy's Memorial service

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