Dorothy Helsley McGaw, daughter of Raymond and Eve Lakey Helsley, was born Aug. 20, 1928 in Wright County, Mo. She departed this life June 28, 2011, in Rocky Ridge Manor, Mansfield, Mo., at the age of 82 years, 10 months and 8 days.
Dorothy and her siblings attended one-room schools in Wright County, first Pea Ridge, then Johnson School and Mansfield High School.
On Nov. 16, 1947, Dorothy was united in marriage to Vance McGaw in the home of the Rev. Wilbur Cravens with Otis and Jean Helsley, attendants.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one sister, Oka Calhoun and her husband Manie; one brother, Otis Helsley and his wife Jean; a niece, Glenda Keith; and a sister-in-law, Rose Helsley.
She is survived by her son, Dale McGaw and wife, Carol of Mansfield, Mo.; daughter, Ann Duckworth and husband, Randy, of Ava, Mo.; four grandchildren, Missy McGaw and special friend, Dana, of Kansas City, Mo., Melanie Schrock and husband Tony of Milton, Pa., Eric Duckworth of Ava, Mo., and Rebecca Duckworth, of Montgomery City, Mo.; six great-grandchildren, Mekayla, Carter, Elizabeth, Kylie, Cooper and Dakota; one brother, Rev. R.E. Helsley, of Mansfield, Mo.; as well as a number of nieces and nephews and many friends.
Dorothy lived her entire life in Wright County. She worked more than 30 years at the Tobin-Hamilton Shoe Factory of Mansfield, where many of her life-long friends were also her co-workers.
Dorothy was a dedicated minister’s wife offering her support and a helping hand in churches in Wright County where Vance pastored. In her latter years she was a faithful member of the Mansfield First Baptist Church, often providing transportation to other ladies, and enjoying a special fellowship with the wonderful ladies of her Sunday School Class, The Gleaners. In her spare time she loved to read.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. We treasure her life and cherish the memories we hold dear in our hearts.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 1, at Holman-Howe Chapel, Mansfield, with Dr. Richard Eakins and the Rev. R.E. Helsley officiating. Burial was in Mansfield Cemetery.
