Dorothy Mae Lowe-McNeely

Dorothy was born in Jasper, Indiana to Clarence and Esther Ruckriegel in September 1931. She was married to James Lowe in 1950 until he passed in 1979. In 1993, she married Ira McNeely.

She came to Indianapolis at the age of 16 where over the course of her life she worked in a bank, grocery store meat packaging, and other various jobs. Blind since the age of 30, there wasn’t much of anything Dorothy couldn’t do or was afraid to tackle. Her motto was “Can’t never could do anything.” She finished her high school education at the age of 65 by taking her GED test in braille and passing it with flying colors. Dorothy retired at the age of 75 from Bosma Industries for the Blind where she worked for many years, in various sewing and packaging roles. She was a fabulous cook, did needlework and upholstery, and was an avid reader of both braille and talking books. She also loved her dogs, gardening, playing cards and traveling with her family.

She was a founding member of the Al-Anon group in Indianapolis, an officer with the Marion County Workers for the Blind, and a longtime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church where she was a former member of the Women’s Auxiliary. Over her life, she was involved with many other groups working with the blind.

Dorothy is preceded in death by both her parents and 2 brothers, Alfred and Robert Ruckriegel.

Dorothy is survived by her husband Ira McNeely, daughter Diane (Vernon) Koers, stepdaughter Connie (Tim) Bernard, and brother Clarence Ruckriegel. Also surviving are her grandsons Timothy (Tresee) Koers, Christopher (Trina) Koers and step-granddaughter Aryel Bernard. She has 4 great grandsons: Spencer Ford; Andrew Koers; Alexander Koers, and Daniel Koers and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10am to noon on Monday, November 29that St. Peter Lutheran Church located at 2525 East 11th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, with the funeral service following at noon. Burial will occur at Concordia Cemetery in Indianapolis. Arrangements are made by Crown Hill Funeral Home.

The family of Dorothy Lowe-McNeely wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Teresa Schaeffer and her wonderful staff, Premier Hospice Services, Rev Seth Mierow, Cassie Koers, and all the health care workers for all their tender care, advice, and assistance.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church or any charity of your choosing.