Dorothy Mae Major Mahoney passed away gracefully at the Ellsworth County Medical Center on September 29, 2011, after a brief illness and two years of declining health.  She was born December 11, 1925.  

Dorothy grew up with her parents Henry F. and Anna Steinle Major and sisters Mildred (Leigh Hines) and Alice Jean (Francis Kaufman)on a farm east of Dorrance on old HWY 40.  After graduating from Dorrance High School, she attended Stephens College (Columbia, MO) and graduated from the University of Colorado, where she affiliated with Alpha Omega Pi.  She and her high school sweetheart Kenneth J. Mahoney were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Russell, KS, on August 10, 1949.

Her brief premarriage career as a geologist in Wyoming was followed by more than 60 years as a beloved wife and helpmate and mother who created and maintained a foundational home at the Mahoney homestead west of Dorrance on HYW 40.  She also established a home away from home for her family and “adopted” Peace Corps Volunteers in Sierra Leone, West Africa, from 1967-70. 

Dorothy was well known from her beautiful afghans and sweaters, and her pies, cinnamon rolls, and blueberry muffins.  She always enjoyed a good party, a racy story, entertaining numerous friends and business associates, traveling around the world, golf, bridge, reading, knitting, cross stitch, and watching football and basketball games and Jeopardy.  She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for over 60 years, and participated in numerous social and service clubs over the years.

She was a constant staunch, loyal, and loving supporter of Ken’s many adventures.   The success of her children is a reflection of her recognition and promotion of each of their individual strengths.  She was never without her favorite lipstick, a calm demeanor, and grace in the face of adversity.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Mildred, brothers-in-law, and son-in-law Larry Neaderhiser.

She will be deeply missed by her children:  Lucinda Drago (Ron), Winston-Salem, NC,  Rosemary Neaderhiser, Solomon, KS, Thomas Mahoney (Heddy), Dorrance, KS, Anthony “Tony” Mahoney (Melissa), Wichita, KS, and Annette Mahoney (Bowling Green, OH;) grandchildren: Kenneth Neaderhiser (Michelle), Michael Drago, Bradley Neaderhiser (Jeaveen), Timothy Neaderhiser (Adrienne), Ryan Mahoney (Andrea), Jason Mahoney, Evan Mahoney, Sarah Drago, Jenalee Mahoney, Brett Mahoney, Devin Mahoney, and Jeremy Mahoney; and Neaderhiser great grandchildren:  Matthew, Mia, Eladia, Liberty, and Caydence.  She was also loved by special family member Dave Richardson, an extended family of relatives, Peace Corps volunteers, and a team of loving caregivers who enabled her to remain in her home for the last two years.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dorrance with Fr. Jerett Konrade officiating.  Burial will follow at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Dorrance.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Monday, October 3, 2011 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.  A Vigil will be held at 7 PM Monday at the mortuary.  Memorials have been established with the St. Joseph Cemetery Fund and the Dorrance Historical Society.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary who is in charge of these arrangements.