Dorothy Keith Knowles, 77 of Springfield, passed away on September 7, 2023, at Mercy Hospital.
Dorothy married Stanley Rambo on June 30, 1961 and was blessed with her son, Wade Rambo, on November 21, 1967. When she married Charles Knowles on February 7, 1977, she was blessed with three daughters, Cheryl, Susan and Nancy. The family welcomed Terry Bradley, which made five children in their family making it complete.
In 1972, she applied and was hired as the first employee for the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging, which at the time was a newly formed senior service organization. In 1977, she was appointed Deputy Director. In 1999, she became CEO. During her tenure with SeniorAge, Dorothy implemented Silver Hair Legislature, Family Caregiver programs, established Outreach for Medicare D and Missouri Rx, published the first Information/Assistance Directory, served as the President of the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging, successfully supported the passage of 8 Senior Service Tax Boards. In 2012, she was one of the honorees of being one of Springfield’s most influential women. Dorothy led boldly through a 40-year-long career, which deepened into a life passion for care and advocacy of others.
She served her home community for many years as a council woman on the Buffalo City Council.
Dorothy is survived by five children: Cheryl Eversole; Susan and spouse, Aaron Burkey; Nancy, and spouse, Jeff King; Wade Rambo, and his spouse, Lori; Terry Bradley and his spouse, Jennifer. She had eleven grandchildren: Derek Jones, wife Amber; Krista Olson; Katie Olson; Megan Woods; Trey Rambo, wife, Tawni; Candace Jones; Skylar Mueller, spouse Andrew; Jordan Durbin, spouse, Michael; Alexis Tice, spouse, Ashton; Trace Bradley, wife, Ashton; and Travis Bradley. She had thirteen great grandchildren: Tristan Woods; Caylee Graves; Mattox Durbin; Tate Bradley; Beau Rambo; Madison Jones; Brody Rambo; Rilynn Bradley; James Tice; Aubrey & Alba Durbin; Cy Woods; and Denver Mueller.
Visitation will be at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri, on September 13, 2023, beginning at 12:00 p.m. with the service to follow at 2:00 p.m.
Burial will follow at Garden of Memory in Buffalo, Missouri.
Memorial contributions can be made to: Senior Age, 1735 South Fort, Springfield, Missouri, 65807 or Buffalo United Methodist Church PO Box 134 Buffalo, Missouri, 65622.