Dorothy, known as Dottie to her friends and family, passed away at the age of 88 in Springfield on Friday, April 1, 2011, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Dec. 27, 1922, into the Catholic faith in St. Louis, Mo., to Charles and Dora Schleifer, and was their only daughter. She married Frederick "Fritz" Strele May 21, 1949, in St. Louis. To their union two daughters were born; Sandra Kay and Maryann Theresa. In 1964 the family moved to Springfield from St. Louis when Fritz was transferred by Frisco Railroad, and Dottie stayed home to care for her children. Dottie was a natural athlete. In her younger years she played 2nd base for a fast-pitch softball team, and enjoyed volleyball. She was also a great basketball player, even though she was only 4'10" tall. A lifelong bowler, Dottie was a member of the 600 Club and in her later years remained as active as possible. While a resident at The Manor at Elfindale, she even won a trophy in the Basketball Throw event during the Golden Age Olympics. Before she was married she worked at Brown Shoe Co. in St. Louis. In the 1980s she was a sought-after babysitter in Springfield, caring for the children of many neighbors and local physicians. As busy as she was, she also found time to volunteer at the Developmental Center of the Ozarks workshop and the Mt. Vernon Veteran's Hospital. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Elks Lodge #409 and for many years was an active "mall walker" at Battlefield Mall. She was preceded in death by her husband; mother; father; and her only brother, Charles "Curly" Schleifer. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Hobbs and husband Jimmy, of Ash Grove; daughter, Maryann Frye and husband Larry, of Republic; granddaughter, Wendi Thornton and husband Jerry, of Nixa; grandson, Wade Hobbs and girlfriend Kelly Colbert and her daughters, of Republic; granddaughter, Stacy Fender and husband Randy, of Republic; great-grandsons, Gage Fender, Ian Fender, Jerris Thornton and Jamis Thornton; and numerous extended family and friends. Dottie's family would like to thank all the nurses and staff at The Manor at Elfindale in the Memory Support wing for the care and love they provided; and Sister Carol, Jean, Barbs, Catherine and Rose from St. Agnes Church for their visits and friendship to Dottie. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 5, 2011, in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial will follow in Hazelwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, April 4, 2011, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.