Dorothy Mae Templemire Thomas Scott

Dorothy Mae Templemire Thomas Scott, 88, passed away December 22, 2025, at Warrensburg Manor Care Center. The fifth child of nine born in the family homestead at New Lebanon, MO, she was the daughter of Edward and Ethel May (Woolery) Templemire, on May 20, 1937. Everyone called her Little Ethel; she resembled her mother so much in looks and kind ways. She learned early to be a remarkable helpmate, as at age eight, her twin sisters were born, and she took on a great deal of their care and sewed most of their childhood and school outfits.

She attended school through third grade in the now historic one-room schoolhouse across the road, and then attended school in Pilot Grove, where she graduated high school. It was on the long bus rides to school that she taught herself to make doilies and knit and crochet. These skills kept her in stead all the rest of her days. Always, busy, busy hands. She attended church in the oldest Presbyterian church west of the Mississippi, also across the road from her home, developing a strong and sure faith.

She was a seamstress in Sedalia at Lamy’s before marrying Don L. Thomas of Otterville in 1956. They welcomed a son, Marty, and daughter, Regina Jo, one of each, her utmost wish come true. Dorothy was passionate about being a mother and homemaker, and her home was kid-central after school each day to cousins and the kids in their Sedalia neighborhood. No one wanted to go home, her hugs and snacks were so comforting. After bravely divorcing (not a common event then), she continued sewing and made bridal gowns and trusseaus, bridesmaids dresses, prom dresses, jackets and coats, and was commissioned for Barbie doll outfits to the large Sedalia store Katz.

In 1977 she married Ross Scott and raised his four young children; they lived on Whiteman Air Force Base; also, Knob Noster and Warrensburg, then Tennessee. After 17 years in Milton, Florida, Dorothy again admirably divorced and returned to MO in 2005. She loved being back. She was joyfully living at Warrensburg Manor Care Center for the last three years of life, where she was very popular, admired and adored by residents and staff alike for her loving and bubbly manner.

She is survived by her son Marty and Ronda (Young) Thomas, Sedalia; her daughter Regina (Dr. John) Hess, Warrensburg; grandson Aaron (Dr. Jennifer Mittlehauser) Thomas, Sedalia; step-granddaughter Kera Hunt, FL; two younger sisters, Shirley Lee Pullum, Pilot Grove, and Delores Miller, Chesterfield; and a flock of nieces and nephews and their kids.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Henry and Ethel May (Woolery) Templemire, New Lebanon; sisters Francis Irene Witcig, Omaha, Agnes Marguerite Bohon, Sedalia, Doris Kay Tousley, Independence; brothers Edward H. Templemire, Jr. (Dreda), John Earl Templemire (Shirley), Sedalia, Phillip Ray Templemire (Alice), Booneville; beloved brother-in-law Richard David Miller, Chesterfield; and several nephews and nieces.

Oh, how she loved us, and her parents and siblings, and many friends along the way. How we miss her playful smile and beautiful loving blue eyes. We will continue to every single day. Growing up with such a sweet mother was extraordinary. Thank you, Mama.

The family will hold a private burial at the New Lebanon Cemetery.