Dorothy Lee Bishop (Dorie, Donnie, Dottie, Grandma, Mom, Sister, Aunt), of Salina, passed peacefully from this world to the next on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019, in the loving presence of her daughter, Kathy.

Dorothy was reunited with all those she loved and lost in her 97 years of life, including her parents, Elizabeth and Albert Cunningham; her first love, Morton; her husband of 37 years, Tom; and her beloved siblings, Tommy, John, Elizabeth, Terry, Peg and Helen.

Dorothy was born Dec. 27, 1921, in Fontana, Kan. She grew up in Kansas City until moving to Salina in 1951. Dorothy truly lived her best life, and taught those near her how to do the same. She mothered two children, Tom and Kathy (Albert); and became grandma to Heather, Mandy (Sean), Grace, Joshua (Heidy) and Christopher. Her great-grandchildren, Stephen, Michael, Liam, Piper and Jacob, were blessed to know her love and hugs, even if they all did not get a chance to know her at her best (and feistiest).

She lived a full life of gardening, crossword puzzles, bird watching, cross stitch, yelling at her “politics” on TV and talking on the phone daily to her sisters, daughter and granddaughters. You could find her every day, rain or shine, walking to her distant mailbox, praying for each person she loved along the way. She needed that long walk because she loved many.

She spent her weekends dancing and drinking Coors Light, was always impeccably dressed and all around, one of the classiest women to walk the earth. The last years of her life, her body did not allow her to dance or her hands to do her hair and makeup. Still, she remained in her home for years with the support, love and care of Kathy. When Dorothy needed more help, she transitioned and received love and support from her family at Holiday Resort. She will be greatly missed by many. We were all blessed to have many years with Dorothy, and time has been the greatest gift she gave us.

Visitation for family and friends will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina, followed immediately by a graveside service at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.

Donations can be made in Dorothy’s name to her local animal shelter, Salina Animal Services, 329 N. Second Street, Salina, KS, 67401; (785) 826-6535, https://www.salinaanimalservices.com/donate.