Dorothy Elfrink

Dorothy Elfrink

LEOPOLD, Mo. — Dorothy Landewee Elfrink passed away Sept. 12, 2008, at her home in Leopold. She had spent the last several months surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family as she gracefully battled cancer, never losing her faith.

Dorothy was born Dec. 2, 1934, to William and Rosa Beel Landewee of Leopold. Both preceded her in death. She and Raymond George Elfrink were married Oct. 29, 1952. He preceded her in death July 1, 1995.

Dorothy was a woman of strong faith and courage. She loved music, flowers, gardening, baking, sewing, crocheting, feeding her birds and animals and she loved life. Dorothy was a wonderful storyteller and she loved visiting with family and friends. Her greatest joy was in raising her 10 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dorothy provided cleaning services for several local homes and businesses. She also worked for the Paramount Hat Factory in Marble Hill, Mo. Her fondest work memories were the 15 years she spent cleaning St. John's Church in Leopold.

She is survived by her 10 children; five daughters, Rosalie (Bob) Burnett of Jackson, Becky (Mark) Eftink of Oran, Mo., Beverly (Rick) Broshuis of Advance, Mo., Lillian Hahn of Columbia, Mo., Avis (Jeff) Bollinger of Burfordville; five sons, Alan (Ronda) Elfrink of Leopold, Brian (Theresa) Elfrink of Marble Hill, Harlan (Julie) Elfrink of Leopold, Nelson Elfrink of Macon, Mo., Leland (Amy) Elfrink of Jackson.

She is also survived by 24 grandchildren, Jim (Lexie) Burnett, Melinda Burnett, Maria Eftink, Jennifer Leimer, Iris Elfrink, Amanda (Dustin) Dannenmueller, Garrett (Alicia) Broshuis, Alicia Broshuis, Angela Broshuis, Mikala Hahn, Grant Hahn, Meagan Hahn, Travis Elfrink, Sierra Bollinger, Cassandra Bollinger, Kendra Bollinger, Seth Bollinger, Emily Elfrink, Joseph Elfrink, Zachary Elfrink, Simon Elfrink, Adam Elfrink, Allison Elfrink, Samuel Elfrink; seven great-grandchildren, Hailey Burnett, Liza and Drake Dannenmueller, Dakota and Canyon Leimer, Zion Howard and Ilia Dimov.

Dorothy is survived by four brothers, Edward (Rita) Landewee, Clem (Mary Lou) Landewee, Ted (Carol) Landewee, Glen (Nancy) Landewee of Leopold; two sisters, Martha (Robert) Horrell of Glennon, Mo., Marie Peters of O'Fallon, Mo.; brothers and sisters in-law, Loretta Elfrink, Theresa Elfrink of Leopold, Justin (Karen) Elfrink of Jackson, Luella Elfrink of Leopold and Marie Elfrink of Chaffee, Mo.

Friends may call after 3 p.m. today at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. John's Church in Leopold.