Dorothy D. Derr, 88, of Valparaiso, IN, went to be with our Lord on September 25, 2022, surrounded by family at the VNA of Valparaiso. Dorothy was born on June 2, 1934 in Stoddard County, MO to Harold M. Cole and Virgie A. Cole (Weaver). In her senior year of High School, she moved to St. Louis, MO where she met the love of her life, James C. Derr, Sr. They celebrated 37 years of marriage until his sudden passing in 1989. Aside from her parents and her husband, Dorothy was predeceased by her sister, Carole; brother, Marvin; and sister, Pat, all of MO. Dorothy is survived by her youngest brother, Terry Jo Hampton-Richardet of CO. Her four children: James (Sandi) C. Derr, Jr. of Valparaiso, IN; Sherry L. Engelhardt of Poplar Bluff, MO; Rhonda (Marty) Ruzbasan of Portage, IN and Penny Walker of Valparaiso, IN; 11 Grandchildren, 17 Great-Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Great Grandchild,
Dorothy was a true Earthbound Angel walking amongst us. She will be remembered for her amazing story telling, her love of Our Lord, her creative cooking skills and her need to feed all who crossed her threshold, regardless of being hungry or not! Her adorable smile, her sweet infectious giggle and quick wit will be cherished amongst her loved ones for years to come. Those who knew her were blessed. Her love of family, life and Our Lord will be her legacy. Rest in eternal peace Mom, Sister, Grandma, Gramama.
