DOROTHY A. CARPENTER, 80, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Thursday evening, August 8, 2013 at Via Christi St. Joseph in Wichita.

Born February 12, 1933 in Winfield, Kansas, she was the daughter of George David and Verlene Faye (Van Rite) Carpenter. She was raised and received her education in Winfield attending Bryant Grade School and graduated Winfield High School. As a young lady, she helped to take care of her siblings.

She later attended college and earned a degree in Early Education. She then worked for many years, teaching Kindergarten and Preschool. Following retirement, she became a foster grandparent at Lowell Elementary and Winfield High School for over 19 years. She loved taking books, stickers and candy for the students. She also volunteered her time at the Cowley County Historical Museum, where she helped families with geneology research.

Dorothy was a member of Central Baptist Church where she volunteered in the library and the clothes closet. She enjoyed reading, writing children's books, working crossword puzzles and refurbishing old dolls to give away. She especially enjoyed spending time with and teaching her grandchildren many activities including cross-stitch, crocheting and needlepoint and taking them to church.

Her family includes:
Her children: Barbara Sandoval of Tulsa, OK; Sharon Bruner of Tulsa, OK; Mary Childress of Garden City, MI; Colin Patrick and wife, Elizabeth of Wichita; Gloria Conner and Matt Shrewsberry of Winfield; Jamahl Pate of Wichita;
Her brother: Dale Arlan Carpenter and wife, Nona of Joplin, MO:
Her sisters: Denice Arlene Davis and husband, Gene of Broken Arrow, OK: Diana Annett Autry of Wichita;
Her grandchildren: Jonathan, Jessica, Stephanie, Cordaro, Hunter, Josh, Travis, Lexi, Shawn, William, Christopher, Leslie, Chris, Jason, John, Ashley, Miki, Jennifer, Nicholas, Sarah, Samantha, Derek, Jasmine;
Her great grandchildren: Gabriella, Christian, Angel, Nico, Mariando, Nina, DeAnna, Nathaniel, Cordell, Colton, Bryce, Mattie, James, Willie, Gabbie, Mandy, Sophia, Christopher, Preston, Danielle, Avery, Conner, Olyviah, Dakota, Elijah, Jonas, Lillie, Jace, Kristen, Kaitlyn, Mari, Jordan, and Alicia..

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Albert Carpenter, her son, David Carpenter and two grandsons, Thomas Potter and Zachary Halverstadt.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at Central Baptist Church in Winfield. Interment will follow at Union Graham Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Monday evening, August 12, 2013 from 4 to 8 P.M. The family will greet visitors during this time.

A Memorial has been established to help defray funeral expenses. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.