Dorothy M. Jones

Dorothy M. Jones, 96, of Topeka passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. She was born January 31, 1929 in Welda, Kansas, the daughter of George Vernie and Emily E. (Riebe) Serene. Dorothy was a tiny baby and her first bed was a shoe box which was kept near a stove to stay warm that first winter. She was raised in Iola, Kansas and graduated from high school there. Dorothy was married on October 18, 1946 during her final year of school. One fall morning, Dorothy got really dressed up. Her mom asked her why she was dressed up and Dorothy told her it was picture day at school. Instead she went to Yates Center and married her husband Melvin. They were married 59 years before he passed in 2005. 

 Dorothy and Melvin traveled around with his job during the early years of their marriage. But Topeka was always home base for the family. Dorothy worked as a manager at the Salvation Army store, and later volunteered at the Salvation Army store, the VA Hospital in Topeka, Doorstep and The Dovetail Shoppe for over 14 years. 

 Dorothy enjoyed playing cards, and bingo. She would also go the Prairie Band Casino on day trips. She was a member of the Philip Billard Post #1650 Auxiliary of the V.F.W. She enjoyed playing cards with her birthday club friends at the V.F.W.

 She is survived by her family; daughter, Viola Gehrke; son, David Gehrke and daughter, Paula Penn. David’s sons, Hadan and Jared; Paula’s family, husband Larry; son Michael Tanner and wife Paige, Michael’s children, Paisley and Sadie; Paula’s daughter, Emilee and husband, Jose, children Sophia and Isaiah; Dorothy’s daughter, Roberta Galligher and her husband Charles, Roberta’s son, Scott Miller and wife Kristi and Roberta’s daughter, Carrie Evans and husband Ken; Scott’s family, McKenna and Carter; Carrie’s family, Kyson, Ryan, Dillon, Nick; Dorothy’s son Wesley Jones and son Dustin; Dorothy’s sister, Shirley Hicks (companion, Ronn) who Dorothy raised after their mom lost her life in a car accident, Shirley’s sons, Ronnie (Stephanie) Hicks, Danny and Travis (Megan) and Shirley’s grandchildren, Garrett, Zaida, Zaxton, Derek and Daniel; and brother, George Serene of Grantville, Kansas; along with many nieces and nephews.

 She was preceded by her parents and a brother, Harland Serene.

 The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 AM on Monday morning, February 17th at Parker-Price and Davidson Cremations and Funerals. The funeral services will follow beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Prairie Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sunrise Optimist Club, P.O. Box 8816, Topeka, KS 66608.