Dorothy May Secrest

Dorothy May Secrest, daughter of the late Henry Kronk and Eloyce (Ousley) McKeel, was born December 17, 1929 in Jefferson City, Missouri where she grew up and attended school. She was a 1948 graduate of Jefferson City High School. On February 8, 1948, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alfred B. Secrest Sr. in Mexico, Missouri. They shared over 55 years of marriage together before he preceded her in death on March 11, 2003. They were blessed with four children: Lois, Al Jr, Dennis and Sherrie. For several years, Dorothy worked as a bookkeeper for the Rolla School District. She retired from the Rolla School District and then went to work as a substitute secretary at the Waynesville R-VI school district for several years. She was very active in her community. She served on the Waynesville/St. Robert Chamber Board, Pulaski County Tourism Board and served as President of MESA. Dorothy also worked with the Miss Rodeo Missouri Pageant for many years. She loved working with the pageant and all the girls that would enter. She was also President of the Central Ozark Horseshow Association. Dorothy and Al loved horses and they opened their own business, Secrest Western Store in 1960. She was also co-founder of Secrest Heating and Cooling that began in 1952. Dorothy was a very busy lady, but she could always find time to go shopping whether she was buying anything or not. She enjoyed taking trips and loved spending time outdoors with her horses. Most importantly, she treasured the time that she could spend with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren (she was their Mema). As a young girl, Dorothy accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized. She attended the Church of God-St. Robert. She looked forward to being able to go for services and was always willing to help anyway she could. Dorothy went home to be with her Lord at 9:20 P.M. Tuesday, September 1, 2009 in the Camdenton Windsor Estates of Camdenton, MO. Dorothy will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by three children: Al Secrest Jr. (Carolyn), Dennis Secrest and Sherrie Norris (Robert) all of St. Robert, MO; seven grandchildren: Tye Secrest (Missy) and Bryan Secrest (Hope), all of St. Robert, MO, Jermiah Secrest of the state of California, Ethan and Shannon Norris of St. Robert, MO and Slade and Nikia Smith of the state of Minnesota; great grandchildren: Lindsey and Alison Secrest and three other great grandchildren; several other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by one daughter, Lois Smith. Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, September 4, 2009 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory with Rev. Jeff Combs and Rev. William Kempen officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace” and “In the Garden” were played. Serving as escorts were Mike Liebig, Mike Alley, Paul Corbett, Victor Duncan, Butch O’Riley and Don Murray. Burial followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made to the Miss Rodeo Missouri Pageant and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory.

Dorothy May Secrest

December 17, 1929 - September 1, 2009