Dorothy Mae Burwell, 83, of Wellsville, passed away at 10:38 a.m., Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri.

Mrs. Burwell was born July 1, 1933 in Moberly, Missouri, a daughter of Orville May and Jennie Carver (Thompson) Maxfield.

She was a 1951 graduate of Moberly High School. Dorothy continued her education at Hannibal LaGrange College, obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in 1953. She received her teaching certificate from Kirksville Teachers College as well.

On September 23, 1962 at the Wellsville Christian Church, she married Donald William Burwell. He preceded her in death on January 31, 2016. Dorothy had moved to Wellsville in 1962, the year she and Don were married.

Dorothy had taught in a two room school house at Yates for 2 years. She was also a substitute teacher in Moberly area schools and Wellsville-Middletown R-1. Dorothy had owned Burwell's Department Store in Wellsville with her husband, Don, for many years. She had also owned and operated Dorothy's Jewelry and Gifts in Wellsville for 10 years.

Dorothy was a member of the Wellsville First Christian Church, serving in numerous roles. Dorothy was Wellsville Christian Church Elder Emeritus, taught Sunday School, worked with the youth, led both the adult and children choir, served as the pianist/organist for several years as well as the church treasurer. She was the local and area CWF (Christian Women's Fellowship) Worship Leader and Study Chairman and the coordinator of the Community Meals on Wheels program.

Dorothy was a former member of the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce, serving as Treasurer for many years. She was also a former member of Studere, PTA and Jaycettes.

She enjoyed traveling, needlework, visiting and playing cards with friends, playing bridge in a bridge club, playing the piano and organ and attending dance jobs with her husband, Don. Dorothy loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Denise Ann and Mike Rapp, of Aurora; son and daughter-in-law, Donald Dale "Donnie" and Kyle Burwell, of Springfield; grandchildren and spouses, Christopher Mitchell and Samantha Robbins, of Marionville, Sara Ann and Robert Smith, of Aurora and Hillary Katherine and Matthew Scott, of Springfield; five great-grandchildren, Olivia Grace Robbins, Kylie Elizabeth Robbins and Emily Harper Irene Robbins, of Marionville and Amalia Ann Smith and Micah Levi Smith, of Aurora and a soon to be born great-grandson, Carter Dale Scott; niece, Dorothy Ann Roberts, of Moberly; in addition to several great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald William Burwell; son, David George Burwell and sister, Donna Janice Roberts.

Funeral services were at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at the Myers Funeral Home in Wellsville. Rev. Mike Carmi and Rev. Robbie Smith officiated. Serving as organist was Mary Goodman.

Burial was in the Wellsville Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Glenn Freyer, Kriss Freyer, Chris Robbins, Andrew Sims, Nathaniel Sims and Robbie Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Lester Blackshaw, Al Lott, Matt Scott and Charlie Wohlbold.

Visitation was held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions were suggested to Missouri Girls Town c/o Myers Funeral Home, 203 East Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 63384.

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