Dorothy Virginia Albright passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2013 in Joplin, Missouri at the age of 96 years, 7 months and 2 days.
She was born in Graham, Missouri on February 15, 1917 to Grant and Minnie (Apfelbach) Walden. The family soon moved to Maitland, Missouri where she grew up and graduated from Maitland High School in 1935.
After a few years working in the northwest Missouri area, she moved to St. Joseph. While working there she met the love of her life, Lawrence Ray Albright. They were married on February 8, 1938 and enjoyed 53 years of life together. One son was born to the union, Lawrence Ray Albright II (Larry). In 2007 she moved to Carl Junction, Missouri to be near her son and his family where she enjoyed daily visits from the family, as well as frequent food “care packages.”
While in St. Joseph she worked for several years in the cafeteria at Swift and Company. She later began 22 years of employment at Missouri Methodist Hospital, first as a receptionist in the emergency room, and lastly as receptionist in the surgery waiting room where her concern and caring manner comforted many in those stressful times of waiting and uncertainty. She retired in 1983.
She was a 60 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She served as Worthy Matron of King Hill Chapter #55, and was currently a member of Areme Chapter #461 and also Temple Chapter #95 of Joplin. She served as a Grand Officer of the State organization in 1979 and also as Grand Representative of the State of Missouri for Colorado. She also served as District Deputy Grand Matron for the 9th district in 1967. She was especially talented at writing programs for receptions and other ceremonies for the Eastern Star and was called on many times for her services. She also was an active member of the Needles of Moila and also the Social Order of the Beauceant. She was a member of Francis Street Methodist Church in St. Joseph.
During her retirement she enjoyed gardening, especially caring for her roses, and was an avid quilter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, five brothers and two sisters and several nephews who were dear to her. She is survived by her son Larry and his wife Shirley of Webb City, Missouri. Also by two grandsons, Alan and his wife Shelley of Seneca, Missouri, and Justin and his wife Krystal of Carl Junction, Missouri. Other survivors are her two great grandsons, Ethan and Ayden, her “Little Boys,” and several nieces.
The family wishes to thank Ada Copeland, R.N., and her family for the many years of seeing after our loved one during her years in St. Joseph
A memorial service will take place Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 10:30 A.M. at Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory in St. Joseph, Missouri. The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 P.M. Friday, September 27, 2013 Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Private Inurnment Maitland Cemetery at a later date. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.