Dorothy Defebaugh
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Dorothy Jane, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with the Lord on July 18, 2019, surrounded by her family. Dorothy was born in Marshall, Missouri, on February 26, 1932, to Elsie Jane (Brumble) and John Albert Hill.
After high school graduation, Dorothy attended Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma. It was there that she met Ronald Schmeets, her first husband and father of her four children. Ron preceded her in death in 1987. Dorothy and Ron were residents of Anchorage, Alaska, for 35 years. During that time, Dorothy worked in civil service for the Department of the Army, attaining the grade of GS-12 and the position of Logistics Systems Supervisor for the U.S. Army at Fort Richardson, Alaska. In recognition of her outstanding work performance, she was awarded both the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal and the Civilian Service Commendation Medal. After her retirement, Dorothy moved to Colorado Springs in 1991. At that time, she reconnected with a good friend from college, Scott Defebaugh. They were married in 1993. Dorothy enjoyed time with her family, knitting, crocheting, dancing and her daily aerobics classes at the YMCA until her health prevented participation. She deeply loved her dog Toto. Dorothy's legacy is her unconditional love and support of her family.
Dorothy is survived by her loving husband, Scott L Defebaugh; her son Brad Schmeets (Betty), daughters: Debby (Rich) Hanlen, Missy (Randy) Cloud, Sandra Beth (Christopher) Frey; her eleven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three stepchildren: Melissa, Scott, and Dan. She was preceded in death by husband Ron; her parents and five siblings; grandson Aric and step-daughter Bonnie.
She was steadfast in her Catholic faith. A Rosary will be held at 6:30 pm, on Tuesday, July 30th, and a funeral Mass at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 31st, 2019. Both services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2030 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Interment will be a private family ceremony at Pike's Peak National Cemetery.
Memorials in Dorothy's name may be made to two organizations close to her heart, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and St. Mary's Catholic High School, both in Colorado Springs.