Dorothy Mae Reading, following a stroke, entered eternal life Wednesday, May 27, 2020 after Eighty-three blessed years of life with her beloved family. Members of her family spent time in her room at Integris Hospice House, holding her hands, reminiscing, singing hymns and staying with her until her last breath.
Dorothy Mae was born on July 29, 1936 in Enterprise, OK to Louis D. and Elva Ford, the fourth of eight children. Dorothy was the wife of Doyle Reading sharing 67 years of marriage. Some of their happiest times were spent in a small cabin in southeast Oklahoma. They had a beautiful marriage and they were happy as long as they were by each other’s side.
She was a determined young woman and after seeing Doyle on a school bus, she told a friend “That’s the man I am going to marry.” She was just as determined in pursuing an education, although she attended four different high schools before graduation, she excelled in her classes and completed both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education.
Dorothy passed that love of learning to many students. If you were one of her pupils, you will remember that she was generous with hugs and recess time, challenging with long division, fractions, map races and the history of explorers. She was creative with Snoopy bulletin boards and making pinatas. She retired in 1995 just in time to welcome her first grandchild into the world.
Dorothy belonged to the Edmond Christian Church and enjoyed being in the card ministry and baking the best cinnamon rolls that went for top dollar at baking auctions.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Doyle of Edmond; her daughters (spouses), Karen (Mike) Bunch of Oklahoma City, Jayne (Lyle) Carter of Rice, MN, and Joanna (Bryan) Johnson of Fountain, CO. She is survived by grandchildren, Megan (Joey) Simpson of Oklahoma City, OK, Elizabeth (Tyler) Patton of Edmond, OK and Rachel, Logan and Leanna Johnson of Fountain, CO.
Also surviving her is a large extended family that she dearly loved. Her sister Mary Lou Hensley, Anna Sue Roberts, Margaret Johnson and brothers James Ford and Cecil Ford. Preceding her in death were her parents L. D. and Elva Ford and sisters Patricia Ford and Shirley Gaskill.
A memorial service will be held at a later time due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. Memorial donations can be to the American Heart Association.
Joanna I am deep prayer for you! I know how close you were with her. If there is anything I can do let me know. You were there for several times firing hard times. Now it is my turn. Love you my friend.
Deepest Sympathy,
Larry and I have known the Reading family since 1975. I taught 5th grade at Murray Hill and worked with Dorothy on many committees. She had a great sense of humor and always spoke so lovingly about her precious daughters.
She was a wonderful teacher and a lovely woman. Dorothy will be deeply missed by all who had the great pleasure to know her.
GOD BLESS
Larry and Linda Hill
Karen, we are so sorry and sending our heartfelt condolences❤️ you were a little light in our lives when we were in Chanute.
Mrs. Reading was my 5th grade teacher in Chanute. She was an outstanding teacher, one of the very best. May all the wonderful memories carry everyone in the family during this time. I am so sorry for your loss.