Dorothy Ely Foster

She was born to Anna and Archibald Ely, October 20, 1922, in Emporia, Kansas. Dorothy graduated from Roosevelt High School and attended Emporia State University. There she was a proud member of the Tri-Delta Sorority.

She married her long-time sweetheart William (Bud) Foster, a Naval officer, in 1944. After the war they settled in Kansas City, Kansas and lived in the same home for over 50 years. With the death of her husband in 2004, she relocated to Florida to live with her daughter, Cindy Dawson. Dorothy is survived by three children: Robert (Steve) Foster, of Sedalia; Lucinda (Cindy) Dawson, of Longwood; and Thomas Foster of Sacramento. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Kelly Flandreau, Jeff Dawson, Joseph Foster, Sarah Pilsl, 12 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Dorothy had a life-long love for education. She actively supported Bud’s career as a professional educator and volunteered frequently in the local schools. She encouraged her children’s education, and reading of all kinds was an important part of the home. Later in life she worked as the librarian for the local elementary school and passed on her love of learning to the children of the community. Dorothy was an active member of the Grandview Methodist Church performing acts of charity and support. She liked to keep busy and was a regional leader in the Girl Scouts, a den mother in the Boy Scouts, a project leader in 4H, and was involved in numerous community organizations. She was an avid gardener, who was always trying to find new flowers that would survive the Kansas weather. Later she became active in the Winter Springs and Casselberry Senior Centers, playing bridge, line-dancing and swimming. She loved to travel and see new sights. She loved family and friends and a good visit. She loved making and giving hand crafts. To the very end she loved life and will be missed by all who knew her.

Services will be held on Tuesday, January 28th at 1:00 p.m. at the Charter Funeral Home, 501 W. 6th Ave., Emporia, KS 66801; followed by interment at Maplewood Memorial Lawn, 2000 Prairie St., Emporia, KS, 66081.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dorothy’s name to the Humane Society of United States.