Dorothy Lea Batchelder, 87, with family by her side, peacefully passed away Friday June 22, 2018, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha.

She was born in Shubert, NE, December 15, 1930, the youngest of four children of the late Harry Preston and Marvena Bingman Cole and was a lifelong Highland area resident.  Dorothy graduated from Highland High School with the class of 1949.

Mrs. Batchelder was an active member of the Highland United Methodist-Presbyterian Church of Highland; the ladies auxiliary to Dillon-Bales Post #358, Highland American Legion; and several other local service organizations.  She was a wonderful Mother and had a very gentle spirit.  She loved tending her flowers, and sending greeting cards out to a great number of nieces, nephews, friends, and other loved ones.  

She married John on September 12, 1954 and they raised three children:  Mike of Highland, Beverly Montgomery (Terry) of Sabetha, Patti Chauza (Bob) of Salt Lake City, UT; her grandchildren:  Christi Grant (Rob), Daniel, Alex, and Ryan  Montgomery; great-grandchildren Wesley and Keira Grant.  Dorothy is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her husband John April 13, 2015; a granddaughter Bobbie Lyn Chauza; her siblings:  Grace Jones, Helen Simpson, and Robert Wait.

Cremation is planned with a Celebration of Dorothy’s life planned for 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 27, at the Highland United Methodist-Presbyterian Church.  Pastor Jerry Petering will officiate.  Inurnment will follow at the Highland Cemetery.

The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services at the Church.

Friends may call the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, in Highland, Tuesday from noon to 6.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Church Memorial Fund or Highland EMT Association, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 33, Highland 66035.

A special message may be sent to the family at  www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com