Dorothy "Dot" Rafferty

Rafferty, Dorothy "Dot"
was born December 10, 1929, in Evansville, Indiana, to Hugh and Rosa Kappler. She passed all too soon from us on February 25, 2013. If only we could have just one more serving of Dot's incredible cobblers, pies and scones. Dot grew up in Evansville and Marion, Kentucky. In 1946, 16 year old Dot met the love of her life, Chandis Rafferty, when he offered her an airplane ride. They married 3 months later, and raised their family in Chandler, Indiana. Over the years, Dot worked as a bank teller, managed a real estate office and, after moving to Arizona in 1984, Dot worked for Chase Bank. Dot and Chandis were always the "go to" parents, chairing the PTA and Band Boosters, spearheading accreditation of their rural consolidated school district, and planning, decorating and chaperoning high school dances and events. In Indiana, Dot was a member of the Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile. After moving to Arizona, Dot was a grandparent extraordinaire. A person of great faith and community devotion, Dot was deeply involved in Paradise Valley United Methodist Church, where she was a Stephen Minister, was responsible for the prayer chain, worked on the New Member Committee and Caring Ministries, and participated in Pastor's Bible Study, Mustard Seed and Walk to Emmaus. Dot crocheted caps for cancer patients and was known as the class grandma at her granddaughter's high school, where she taught crocheting to her granddaughter's friends and the basketball team. After Chandis's death, Dot also was active in American Cancer Society Relay For Life events, chairing the team "Chandis's Champs." Dot loved and was loved by her countless number of devoted friends: never could one even come close to imagining the outpouring of grace and caring for Dot during her illness. Dot was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Chandis Rafferty, and by her sister Norma. She is survived by her brother Wesley Dwaine Kappler (Margie), her son Steven Rafferty (Jackie), their two sons Blake (Gretchen) and Scott (Tricia), her daughter Nancy Bodinet (Todd Franks), and her two children Nate Bodinet and Rachael Franks, and one delightful great-grandchild with whom she Skyped, Owen Rafferty. A memorial service will take place Sunday, March 10, 2013, at 3:00 p.m., at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church, 4455 E. Lincoln, Paradise Valley, AZ. Dot's family thanks the so many of you who gave Dot such great love. The family suggests any donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Paradise Valley United Methodist Church/Missions