OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Funeral services for Dorothy J. Meyer, 88, Osage City, Kan., will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church, 219 S. Sixth St., Osage City, with the Rev. Michael Turner officiating. Burial will be at the Osage City Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 6, at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel. Dorothy died Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at her home surrounded by her children. Dorothy Jean VanHorn, the fourth child of Irvin and Thelma (Moore) VanHorn, Dayton, Ohio, was born Aug. 19, 1934.
She attended Huffman Elementary, one block from their home, first to eighth grade. She then began her freshman year of high school at Stivers High School. In December 1948, her mother died suddenly. She then moved to Osage City to live with a dear uncle and aunt, William and Julia Vigola.
She continued her education at Osage City High School. She was an active member of the school band, playing the clarinet. She was a cheerleader, and involved in numerous clubs and activities. It was here she met Earl H. Meyer and they married June 13, 1954. She had completed her education just prior to marriage, obtaining a two-year teaching certificate from Emporia Teachers College. She was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority during her time there.
Earl and Dorothy began their life together first in Fort Benning, Ga., where Earl graduated from OCS school prior to serving active duty in Germany, 1954-1957. Upon their return from overseas, they took up residence in a home on Meyer family farm. She began her working career in 1958, at Topeka, Kan., with Marvin Maydew Accounting firm. In 1962, she began working for high school friend Bill Latimer at Burgess, Latimer, Miller Engineers PA. In 1980, Dorothy was elected financial vice president of Energy Management & Control Corporation alongside its parent company Latimer, Miller, Sommers & Wallace Engineers PA, as secretary and office manager. She was also an officer of Latimer, Miller, Sommers & Wallace PA. She belonged to Women’s in Construction (WIC) and served as president.
Eleven years after Earl and Dorothy married in 1965, Charles was born, then Mary in 1967, and Julie in 1970. Despite her full time work, Dorothy was first a mother. Their home was efficient, organized, and full of love. She was a caretaker, taxi driver, cook, counselor, domestic engineer, and a best friend. She was a Kansas State Wildcat fan through and through. She held seats for 30 years in Bill Snyder Stadium, traveled to games with her family and friends, and attended multiple bowl games. She especially loved the years 2008-2012 and 2019-2022, when her grandsons were members of the Kansas State football teams.
As grandchildren arrived, she loved finding activities to do with them. This included baking cakes, Dollar General visits, parks, zoos, Broadway shows and so much more.
In March 2008, she lost her high school sweetheart. One year after his death, she moved from the farm home into Osage City. She began a new chapter in her life, rekindling friendships, hometown activities, clubs, and traveling. The “Girls of 34” reunited and spent many wonderful times together. She belonged to the United Methodist Church women’s group, Red Hat Society, and the Laffalot Club. She volunteered and supported ECAT. She served her family and community members often. Her love for life and lessons taught will not be forgotten.
She is survived by her son, Charles Meyer and wife, Cathy, Osage City, daughters, Mary Mariner and husband, Blessing, Topeka, Julie Friesen and husband, Andy, Basehor, Kan.; brother, Edwin VanHorn, Topeka; five grandchildren, Tomasi Mariner, Elizabeth Langi, Earl Mariner, Jace Friesen, Delaney Friesen; seven great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and extended family; and a community of dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Earl, on March 21, 2008. Dorothy lost one brother, Kenneth VanHorn, and sister, Elizabeth VanHorn.
Memorial contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church and sent in care of the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel at 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences can be left at vanarsdalefs.com
