Dorothy Jean ZEIGENBEIN

DOROTHY JEAN ZEIGENBEIN, only child born to Clyde and Alice (Holdren) Eaken, was born April 25, 1934, in Camden County, Missouri. She left the troubles of this world behind and entered her Heavenly home on September 8, 2025, at the age of ninety-one years.

Dorothy spent the majority of her life in Richland. She graduated from Richland High School, where she made many lifelong friends.

Early in life, Dorothy made a profession of faith in Christ. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Richland. She loved her church family and treasured the fellowship shared and their continued prayers over the years.

On May 1, 1953, Dorothy was united in marriage with Alfred Wesley Zeigenbein. Together they shared sixty-nine years of triumphs and tears, love and laughter, side by side. Alfred preceded Dorothy in death on June 14, 2022.

As a mother of six children, Dorothy had her hands full. She was a devoted wife and mother, always putting their needs first. She was also a dedicated farm wife, helping Alfred over the years and making sure everyone was well fed, fried chicken for the hay hands was one of her specialties. After Alfred's passing, she continued the daily farm operations, with the help of her children.

Dorothy was well known in her community. She was one of the charter members of Richland FFA Boosters and served on the board at the Stoutland Senior Center.

She enjoyed meals at both the Richland Senior Center and the Stoutland Senior Center, where she could also be found playing BINGO and card games with friends.

Dorothy was a proud supporter of her family. She could always be found in the stands at sporting activities, the County Fair, or any other event they were involved in. She loved celebrating, with pride, all the big and small accomplishments with her family. When it came to playing card games with her family, she was very competitive and did not like to lose. She also enjoyed traveling and listening to gospel music. Any moment shared with her family was one she treasured.

Dorothy is survived by three children, Joyce Fritts, Danny Zeigenbein and Greg Zeigenbein and his wife Julie, all of Richland, MO; ten grandchildren, Steven Zeigenbein and his wife Erin, Lori Kardosz and her husband Shane, Kimberly Latham and her husband Richard, Amy Payne and her husband Alex, Christian Zeigenbein, Cheyenne Zeigenbein, Trent Zeigenbein and his wife Eleashea, Kent Zeigenbein, Dillon Zeigenbein and his wife Sydney and Macie Ragland; seventeen great-grandchildren and one on the way; three great-great-grandchildren; and one more on the way; daughters-in-law, Shirley Zeigenbein, Wendy Zeigenbein, Cindy Zeigenbein and Teresa Zeigenbein; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles and Claudette Zeigenbein; sister-in-law, Veda Zeigenbein; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many dear friends.

Those preceding her in death include her parents; husband, Alfred on June 14, 2022; twin sons, Gary and Larry Zeigenbein; son, Don Zeigenbein; son-in-law, Charley Fritts; brothers-in-law, Leland, Lloyd, Claudie and Donald Wayne Zeigenbein; and one sister-in-law, Lucene Holloway.

Dorothy was so many things to so many of us. She loved her family deeply and unconditionally. She was a hard worker and had high standards. But, everything she did was out of love. Our lives are better because of Dorothy. There is a void that can only be filled once we are reunited to celebrate eternity together.

Visitation for Dorothy will begin at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, September 12, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Richland, until service time.

Funeral Service will begin at 1:00, also at First Baptist Church in Richland.

Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Memorials have been suggested to Richland FFA Booster Club, Richland Senior Center or Stoutland Senior Center.

Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel's Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948 or 1001 N. Lynn, Lebanon, MO 65536.

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