Dorothy McDiffett
Dorothy Mae McDiffett, 81, died Nov. 16, 2004, at her home in Marion.
Born Aug. 5, 1923,in Proctor, Minn., she was the daughter of William and Effie (Hall) Thrash.
She spent her youth in Minnesota, moving to Kansas as a young adult. She married Howard Chambers and the couple had one son. In 1948, she married James McDiffett and they had two daughters and a son.
She worked as an accountant at Fort Riley for more than 30 years and was active in the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, holding several offices in the organization. She was a member of Geary County Community Hospital Auxiliary. She lived in Junction City and Herington until moving to Marion about five years ago to be close to her daughter and family.
She was an active member of The Church of the Covenant for many years. She enjoyed working in the church office, thrift store, and serving on various committees.
An avid reader and great cook, she also loved babies and animals. Her work ethic was forged during the Depression. She was a hard worker and passed this on to her children. She enjoyed dancing and in her youth was an accomplished ice skater.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Jamie Lee Brunner; and a son-in-law, Irvin Brunner.
Survivors include two sons, Thomas (Chambers) McDiffett of Austin, Texas, and James McDiffett of Manhattan; two daughters, Marilyn "Tudy" Brunner of Marion and Laurie Stroda of Pratt; two brothers, Bill of North Platt, Neb., and Jim of Spokane, Wash.; a sister, Ruth Hazelton of Mesa, Ariz.; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Saturday afternoon at Episcopal Church of the Covenant, Junction City, with Father Dale Plummer officiating.
A memorial fund has been established with the church.
