Debbie Lynn Dorothy, 61, of Birmingham, IA passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Unity Point Health – Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, IA. Funeral services will be held beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua, IA with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. In honor of Deb’s love for purple please feel free to wear purple to the service. Burial will be in the Spencer Cemetery immediately following.
A visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua, IA with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Deb’s honor may be directed to the City of Birmingham- Parks Department and mailed to P.O. Box 203, Birmingham, IA 52535. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Debbie Lynn Dorothy was born on November 10, 1962, in Keosauqua, IA to George and Helen Clark Nelson. She attended and graduated from Van Buren High School with the class of 1981. Shortly before graduation she married the love of her life, Wendell Dorothy. This was the first chapter of a love story that lasted over 43 years. Together they became the loving parents to their son, Michael. Debbie worked as an office assistant starting at the Van Buren County Hospital during high school and then went on to the Wolf Eye Clinic in Fairfield for many years.
She also worked for Dr. Handy at the dentist’s office and helped at A & K Feed Service in Birmingham. Most recently she worked with the staff at Cranston Family Funeral Home. Debbie was always willing to help when needed. She served on the Birmingham City Council, worked in the city office, and was a first responder. She loved decorating the city park and always helped with the Birmingham Homecoming Celebration.
When she found time to herself, she enjoyed baking, crocheting, and supporting her Iowa Hawkeys. Debbie cared deeply for her family and enjoyed every minute they were able to spend together. She will be deeply missed by her family, her community, and the many people lucky enough to call her friend. Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, David Nelson and her beloved dog, Maggie.
Left to honor her memory is her husband, Wendell Dorothy of Birmingham, IA; her son, Michael (Rhonda) Dorothy of Pella, IA; three grandchildren, Brandon Tomson, Zoe Runyon, and Breeana (Cam) Coberley; three siblings, Danny (Sharon) Nelson of Lockridge, IA, Patricia Carder of Fairfield, IA, and Frank (Lori) Nelson of Stockport, IA, and her “Partner in Crime”, Lorie Warner.
