Dorothy Defries

Dorothy Mae Defries, our precious angel, went on to her reward early on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 , at the age of 96.


Dorothy was born July 8, 1913 , in Ida Grove, IA, the daughter of Lester and Tessie (Fair) Smith. She grew up in Windom, MN, graduated from high school there and went on to complete Normal Teachers Training. Dorothy taught in a country school for a year and then became a telephone operator in Windom where she worked for a few years. On April 24, 1938 , she was united in marriage to Richard Defries. They farmed together for many years and had three children; Barbara, Stanley and Janelle. The family moved from the farm to Cosmos, MN, in 1952; to Dawson , MN , in 1957; and finally settling in Perham , MN , in 1961. Dorothy did volunteer work for many years including Meals on Wheels, working with the Historical Society and at the Perham Memorial Nursing Home. She enjoyed oil painting, knitting afghans, growing African Violets and playing rummy with friends.



Dorothy is survived by her three children, Barbara Miller, Litchfield , MN ; Stanley ( Beverly ) Defries, Mankato , MN ; and Janelle (Dunc) Grimm, Bemidji MN ; eight grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.



Preceding Dorothy in death are her parents; husband, Richard; brothers, Ralph and Clayton Smith; nephew, Bobby Smith; and son-in-law, Rodney Miller.