Dorothy Jean Bernard, 99, Winfield, Kansas, passed away June 2, 2024, at Brookdale Edmond Danforth Assisted Living Facility in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Dorothy was born in Winfield, Kansas, November 9, 1924, the daughter of William David and Pearl Edna (Wilson) Drake. She graduated from Leon High School in 1942. Dorothy returned to Winfield after World War II and attended Southwestern College. She taught at Cowley and Butler County "country" schools, where she met returning World War II hero, William Henry Bernard. Dorothy was united in marriage to William Henry "Bill" Bernard, on June 6, 1948, at Grace Methodist Church in Winfield. The couple settled in Winfield where they spent their lives involved in church and community. They were married 67 years before Henry's death in 2015.

Dorothy's career in Winfield included 23 years at Southwestern College as Director of Career Planning and Placement and later assisting the Education Department's graduate program. During her 82-year membership at Grace Methodist Church, Dorothy was part of the Methodist Women's group as well as many other groups and committees. She was also a member of the chancel choir and the handbell choir. Her love of music started early in her life, when she was just nine years old, and she and her sister played piano for church services. Dorothy was able to play by "ear" because in the 1930s sheet or printed music was a luxury. Through the years she encouraged her daughters, their children, and their children's children to play piano and other instruments and to engage in musical arts.

Her 65-year membership with the local PEO, Chapter CU, was very important to Dorothy and she partici

pated in singing groups, philanthropic events, and holding various offices within the organization. Dorothy and Henry enjoyed taking road trips to see their family and when there was time for hobbies, they enjoyed collecting antiques of all kinds which sometimes Henry would restore or refinish.

She loved raising and participating in her family's lives, which would come to include grandchildren and (great)great-grandchildren, who were all the recipients of a myriad of birthday cards customized with drawings, coins, and counting lessons to celebrate whatever age they were.

Dorothy was a gift of God to her family and her many friends, all of whom she loved dearly. She was a talented musician, artist, seamstress, and cook, and many knew her for her gift of hospitality.  Most importantly, her heavenly Father gave her the gift of salvation to live with Him eternally. "Every good and perfect gift comes from above, and cometh down from the Father of heavenly lights…" (James 1:17).

Her family includes her three daughters, Cheryl Schasteen and husband, Melvin, Edmond, Oklahoma; Karen Adams and husband, Herb, Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Muriel Bernard, Winfield, Kansas; grandchildren, Ryan Schasteen, Kyle (Samantha) Schasteen, Doug (Shana) Schasteen, Jacinda (Steven) Chisholm, Samuel Adams, David (Ashley) Adams, Josh Adams, Jaime Nelson, Nicole (Kenny) Jacobs, Molly Nelson, Lauren (Cory) Crider-White, 19 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.  In addition to her parents and husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by one sister, Genevra Drake Hays and three brothers, Noble, Vernon, and Lloyd Drake.

Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m., June 21, at Grace United Methodist Church under the direction of Miles Funeral Service.  Interment will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery northwest of Winfield.  The family will greet visitors in the Welcome Center beginning at 1:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to P.E.O. Star Scholarship, a project of PEO that provides educational scholarships to women.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Funeral services will be livestreamed and may be viewed by clicking on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/@milesfuneralsvc9050/streams