Dorothy Lucille Wardrip

Dorothy Lucille (Smith) Wardrip was born on July 31, 1931, in Huntley, MN to Joseph and Ruth (Willard) Smith. Dorothy had 5 brothers; Bill, Dale, Lowell, Wendell, and Donald; 3 sisters; Evelyn, Vernald, and Darlene.

Growing up on the farm, Dorothy fed the chickens, carried in firewood, and made sure the hot water reservoir behind the stove stayed clean. Dorothy loved music. She played the piano and accordion by ear. She sang with her sisters at the Martin County Fair in Fairmont, MN.

Dorothy met her future husband while roller skating. Dorothy had her eye on Charles and when ladies’ choice was announced she happily asked him to skate. Dorothy knew Charles was the one, feeling it in her hands when they first touched. Dorothy and Charles were married on December 30, 1951 at the Methodist church in Granada, MN. They farmed for a few years and had 2 children, Larry and Emily.

In 1964 the family moved to Albert Lea, MN, where Dorothy and Charles enjoyed working together as Interior Decorators. They did wall paperings, upholstering, and floor coverings. Dorothy loved decorating her own home and had a house full of antiques.

 In 1993 the couple moved to Osakis, MN where Dorothy cultivated a beautiful flower garden. Her garden was featured in a local garden tour and she frequently shared flowers with friends, family, and neighbors. Dorothy also shared her love of music with the local community, playing hymns for nursing home residents. 

Dorothy and Charles were committed Christians and appreciated fellowship with their friends at Bible study and church. Throughout their lives they were hard working, active, and were often heard saying, “We’re still young.” The couple even purchased a home while they were in their eighties and completed major renovations. 

A fond memory of the Bethany on the Lake staff was seeing Dorothy dressed to a T and Charles in his Sunday suit heading out for church. Dorothy and Charles were married 71 years and are happily reunited in their heavenly home with Jesus. 

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, sisters, and devoted and loving husband Charles. Dorothy is survived by her two children: Larry (Lora) Wardrip of Nelson, MN and Emily Davila of Maricopa, AZ; 6 grandchildren: Aaron, Nathan, Joyana, Emilie, Nicholas, and Stephanie; 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Bethany on the Lake in Alexandria, MN at the age of 93. A memorial service will be held at 1PM on Friday, December 6th, 2024, at Spirit Life Church in Alexandria with Pastor Jeff Ferguson officiating, Visitation will be one hour before the service. Interment will be at the West Evergreen Cemetery, Osakis, MN.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Bethany on the Lake for their loving care and friendship with Dorothy.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PM at Spirit Life Church in Alexandria with a Funeral Service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at West Evergreen Cemetery in Osakis.