Dorothy Jean Meyer

Funeral services for Dorothy J. Meyer, 88, Osage City will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Osage City, KS with the Rev. Michael Turner officiating. Burial will be at the Osage City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-7:30 p.m., Friday, January 6th at the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel. Dorothy died Thursday, December 29, 2022 at her home surrounded by her children.

Dorothy Jean VanHorn, the fourth child of Irvin and Thelma (Moore) VanHorn, Dayton, Ohio, was born August 19, 1934. She attended Huffman Elementary, 1 block from their home, 1st-8th grade. She then began her Freshman year of High School at Stivers High School. In December 1948, her mother died suddenly. She then moved to Osage City, Kansas to live with a dear Uncle and Aunt, William and Julia Vigola. She continued her education at Osage City High School. She was an active member of the school band playing the clarinet. She was a cheerleader and involved in numerous clubs and activities. It was here she met Earl H. Meyer and married June 13, 1954. She had completed her education just prior to marriage obtaining a 2 year teaching certificate from Emporia Teachers College. She was a member of Sigma, Sigma, Sigma sorority during her time there.

Earl and Dorothy began their life together first in Fort Benning, Georgia where Earl graduated from OCS school prior to serving active duty Germany, 1954-1957. Upon their return from overseas, they took up residence in a home on Meyer family farm. She began her working career in Topeka, KS in 1958 with Marvin Maydew Accounting firm. In 1962, she began working for high school friend Bill Latimer at Burgess, Latimer, Miller Engineers PA. In 1980, Dorothy was elected Financial Vice President of Energy Management & Control Corporation (EMC2) alongside its parent company Latimer, Miller, Sommers, & Wallace Engineers, PA as secretary and office manager. She was also an officer of Latimer, Miller, Sommers & Wallace, PA. She belonged to Women’s in Construction (WIC) and served as President.

Eleven years after Earl and Dorothy married Charles-1965, was born, then Mary-1967, and Julie-1970. Despite her full time work, she was first a mother. Their home was efficient, organized, and full of love. She was a caretaker, taxi driver, cook, counselor, domestic engineer, and a best friend. She was a Kansas State Wildcat fan through and through. She held seats for 30 years in Bill Snyder Stadium, traveled to games with her family/friends and attended multiple bowl games. She especially loved the years 2008-2012 and 2019-2022 when her grandsons were members of the Kansas State Football teams.

As grandchildren arrived she loved finding activities to do with them. This included baking cakes, Dollar General visits, parks, zoos, Broadway shows and so much more.

In March 2008, she lost her high school sweetheart. One year after his death, she moved from the farm home into Osage City. She began a new chapter in her life rekindling friendships, hometown activities, clubs, and traveling. The “Girls of 34” reunited and spent many wonderful times together.

She belonged to the United Methodist Church Womens group, Red Hat Society, and the Laffalot Club. She volunteered and supported ECAT. She served her family and community members often. Her love for life and lessons taught will not be forgotten.

She is survived by son, Charles and wife Cathy Meyer, Osage City, daughters, Mary and husband Blessing Mariner, Topeka, Julie and husband Andy Friesen, Basehor, KS; brother, Edwin VanHorn, Topeka, KS; 5 grandchildren, Tomasi Mariner, Elizabeth Langi, Earl Mariner, Jace Friesen, Delaney Friesen; 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family and a community of dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Earl, on March 21, 2008. Dorothy lost one brother, Kenneth VanHorn and sister, Elizabeth VanHorn.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church and sent in care of the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel at 107 N. 6th Street, Osage City, Kansas 66523.