Dorothy J. Rohning, 95, passed away Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 after a short illness. She lived most of her life in Kansas City, Kansas and was an avid Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan. Dorothy was an accomplished artist, specializing in portraiture. She and her husband of 55 years, William “Dutch” Rohning, operated MidContinent Coin in Kansas City, MO for many years. They traveled extensively and enjoyed nothing more than a good meal out with friends. Dorothy was active for many years in Zonta International, serving as president of her chapter and attending national and international conferences for that organization. She was a champion of women’s rights and believed in the equality and importance of every living person.
After Dutch’s death Dorothy decided to move to Louisville, Colorado, to be near her daughter, Beth Barrett, and her granddaughter, Judith Barrett. She lived a full and independent life at Balfour Senior Residences, and was deeply happy when Judith announced her engagement to Nisar Ahmed. They plan to marry in August.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Beth Barrett, of Lafayette, CO, and her grandchildren, Mark Barrett of Wellington, New Zealand, and Judith Barrett of Longmont, Colorado. She has two great-grandchildren, Tess and Danny, who live in New Zealand.
Dorothy’s philosophy of life can be summed up in words she said to Nisar’s brother when they met last Fall, “Try to always be happy.” Despite medical challenges and the losses that accrue in any long life, Dorothy always lived up to that advice and strove to ensure she did her part to make others happy.
A viewing and graveside service will be held at Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 N. 94th St., Kansas City, KS at 10:30 in the morning on Tuesday, April 30th. A celebration of life will follow in Louisville, Colorado at a time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Harvesters Community Food Network at 3801 Topping Ave., Kansas City, Missouri 64129; or to Flatirons Habitat for Humanity at P.O. Box 1003, Lafayette, Colorado 80026.
