Dorothy Bayer

Dorothy M. Bayer, 81, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, April 13, 2003, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center.

She was born June 21, 1921, in DeSoto, Mo., daughter of Ernest R. and Adeline McCabe DiFani. She and John P. Bayer were married April 28, 1945, in Grand Island, Neb. He died Oct. 3, 1999.

Mrs. Bayer was a teacher's aide for the mentally handicapped many years, and was an avid Southeast Missouri State University basketball fan. She was a military wife 22 years, and had lived all over the world.

She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, St. Vincent's Women's Council, VFW Auxiliary, Exchangettes, and was an avid bridge and bingo player.

Survivors include four sons and daughters-in-law, John and Jeanne Bayer Jr. of Atlanta, Ga., Robert "Bo" and Monica Bayer of Gainesville, Fla., Richard and Nancy Bayer of Portland, Ore., David and Pam Bayer of Roswell, Ga.; a sister and brother-in-law, Margie and Clyde Crutcher of Alton, Ill.; and six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. Parish prayers will be at 5.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The Rev. Charles Prost will officiate. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.