Dorothy Keith Knowles passed away on September 7, 2023, at Mercy Hospital.   Dorothy was born on September 2, 1946, to Ray and Irene (Whipple) Keith.  Dorothy was in St. Louis Children's Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri for several months as a child due to health struggles. Dorothy attended Windyville High School and Missouri State University.

She was the third child of four children.  Dorothy was extremely close with her surviving siblings: Faye Peters, Duane and Donna Keith and Wanda and David Bishop.  Dorothy and Charles graciously hosted many lunches at their home for her siblings.

Dorothy married Stanley Rambo on June 30, 1961 and was blessed with her son, Wade Rambo, on November 21, 1967.

When she married Charles Knowles on February 7, 1977, she was blessed with three daughters, Cheryl, Susan and Nancy.  The family welcomed Terry Bradley, which made five children in their family making it complete.

Dorothy Knowles worked tirelessly her entire career advocating for senior citizens.

In 1972, she applied and was hired as the first employee for the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging, which at the time was a newly formed senior service organization. In 1977, she was appointed Deputy Director. In 1999, she became CEO. During her tenure with SeniorAge, Dorothy implemented Silver Hair Legislature, Family Caregiver programs, established Outreach for Medicare D and Missouri Rx, published the first Information/Assistance Directory, served as the President of the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging, successfully supported the passage of 8 Senior Service Tax Boards.  In 2012, she was one of the honorees of being one of Springfield's most influential women. Dorothy led boldly through a 40-year-long career, which deepened into a life passion for care and advocacy of others.

Dorothy's found joy in the everyday work – she repeatedly said she loved her work.

After her retirement in 2013, Dorothy continued advocacy efforts by being a leading member of the Southwest delegation of the Silver Haired Legislature (SHL).   In her volunteer capacity, she continued to mentor those around her and educate other seniors on the importance and benefits of advocacy. In 2023, Dorothy was honored by the Lieutenant Governor as a Senior Service award winner.

She worked closely with her churches and held many leadership positions.  At Buffalo United Methodist Church, she led church council and PPR committee for many years.  Once she and Charles made the move to Springfield, she was deeply involved with the Battlefield United Methodist Church.  God and family were the roots for her life.

She served her home community for many years as a council woman on the Buffalo City Council.

There are truly no words to describe what this wonderful lady meant to so many.  She will be so greatly missed, but she left us all with so many precious memories.

She is preceded in death, by her parents, Ray Keith and Irene West, and her husband, Charles E. Knowles.

Dorothy is survived by five children:  Cheryl Eversole; Susan and spouse, Aaron Burkey; Nancy, and spouse, Jeff King; Wade Rambo, and his spouse, Lori; Terry Bradley and his spouse, Jennifer.  She had eleven grandchildren: Derek Jones, wife Amber; Krista Olson; Katie Olson; Megan Woods; Trey Rambo, wife, Tawni; Candace Jones; Skylar Mueller, spouse Andrew; Jordan Durbin, spouse, Michael; Alexis Tice, spouse, Ashton; Trace Bradley, wife, Ashton; and Travis Bradley.    She had thirteen great grandchildren: Tristan Woods; Caylee Graves; Mattox Durbin; Tate Bradley; Beau Rambo; Madison Jones; Brody Rambo; Rilynn Bradley; James Tice; Aubrey & Alba Durbin; Cy Woods; and Denver Mueller.

Visitation will be at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri, on September 13, 2023, beginning at 12:00 p.m. with the service to follow at 2:00 p.m.   Burial will follow at Garden of Memory in Buffalo, Missouri.

Pallbearers:   Derek Jones, Trace Bradley; Travis Bradley; Michael Durbin; Jonathan Peters; Ashton Tice.

Memorial contributions can be made to:  Senior Age, 1735 South Fort, Springfield, Missouri, 65807 or Buffalo United Methodist Church PO Box 134 Buffalo, Missouri, 65622.