Dorothy Frances

Read nee Henderson

OBITUARY

Dorothy Frances Read, formerly of St. Clair, MO, departed this life in Owensville, MO on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, having reached the age of ninety years, ten months and five days. Dorothy was born in Pacific, MO on December 16, 1935, daughter of William Edward Henderson and Emma Meta Henderson nee Cole. On October 3, 1954 she was united in marriage to Bobby Gene Read, known to all as Bob, and four children came to bless this union.

Dorothy is survived by three children, Stephen Read and wife, Betsy, of St. Clair, MO, Cindy Piontek and husband, Robbie, of St. Clair, MO and Karen Rinne and husband, Kelly, of Union, MO; by one sister, Sandy Bopp and husband, Tony, of Harrisonburg, VA; by her grandchildren, Ryan Read and wife, Stephanie, Jeff Read and wife, Erin, Ashley Varner, Taylor Piontek, Olivia Skaggs and husband, Mason, and Emma Moody and husband, Robby; by her great-grandchildren, Jadon Read, Trenton Read, Pearl Varner, Beckett Read and Landen Read; by nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents. William and Emma Henderson; by her husband, Bob Read; by one son, Timothy Read; and by five siblings, Martha Winandy, Alvin Henderson, Beulah Moss, Judy Darden and Joyce Daniele.

Dorothy was a Christian and member of Friendship Baptist Church in St. Clair, MO. She made caring for her home and family her job in life and never tired of it. She enjoyed working her flower garden and cooking for the family, as well as others, and having family gatherings. Dorothy was always willing to be a help to others. What meant most to her was time spent with family. Her children and grandchildren held a very special place in her heart, as she did in theirs. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will be cherished by them all forever.

A kind and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great and great-great-aunt, cousin and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, October 30, 2026 at Friendship Baptist Church in St. Clair, MO with Rev. Johnny Dover officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Lonedell, MO. Memorials may be made to the church youth ministry. The family was served by Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO.