Dorthea (Dorothy) Virginia Shipley- Drager

11-26-1925 - 07-24-2018

Born on a chilly, barren Thanksgiving Day in Dora, Missouri, Dorothy told us many times that the household of Ira & Mary (Earl) Shipley was probably not celebrating with thanks when along came another mouth to feed. It was during the depression- luxuries were very few and quite non-existent.

Days of hand-me down ( numerous times) clothes and shoes. A desire to learn and go to school, but too poor to even buy books-too proud to ask for help. Dorothy's' childhood was a hard one. She was hired help at an early age to do chores, haul water, serve other families who had just a little more than her own.

Those tough times created 'tough people' with tenacious spirits, driven by the appreciation of just seeing each new day that God gave them.

Yes, perhaps simpler times when just the thought of a peppermint stick at Christmas could get you through the hot, dusty Summer.

And then along came her husband, Lawrence Albert Drager... they met in Norman Oklahoma at an Army dance...love at first sight! On February 14, 1946 Dorothy and Larry were united in marriage in West Plains, MO and were blessed with two children, Larry Dale and Deborah. Larry proceeded her to his Heavenly Home 24 years earlier. One always felt "abundance" in their many homes, Larry worked with the Kroger company and they moved many times. Even though they didn't have much, they always shared what they had. Dorothy & Larry enjoyed several years on their land in Ava and were members of the Ava United Methodist Church.

Dorothy outlived all of her immediate family; Brother Bob Shipley, Sisters: Wynne Joan Shipley-Rackley & Marie-Shipley-Martin

Survived by her Son, Larry Dale Drager, wife Linda Gibson-Drager & her daughter, Deborah Ann and husband, Bradley Barkley and grandsons Lane Edward & Timothy Lawrence, great-grandchildren include: Brendan & Brooke Drager, Lane & wife Misti's children and Josie & Hazel Drager, Timmy & Jen's children

Dorothy had many surrogate children, sons & daughters in many states, she was just that "Universal Mama D" and for any kid who had a great one, or missed out on one, she was a Mom-magnate...and many times in a grocery store or out in a parking lot, people would comment on how BEAUTIFUL she was! She'd always say: "Honey, the pretty is on the inside where God is, He just peaks out sometimes, ....OH, and I know how to paint my face!!"

Mama D was 92 years YOUNG, she loved to laugh, loved bluegrass music ( or any performer with a guitar or a fiddle) and her favorite place next to home was Silver Dollar City, where you'd see her & her sister and several 'big-haired' gals tapping their toes and clapping their hands!

Dorothy believed that life had no meaning if one was not helping others and she gave love & friendship wherever she was (along with some of the best Apple Bread known to man!)

A visitation for Dorothy will be Saturday, July 28th, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, MO. Graveside services will be Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the Ava Cemetery, Ava, MO. Officiating will be Pastor Jessica Foster. Dorothy's wish in lieu of gifts or flowers, was that memorials be made to Gideon's International,... she felt " flowers will fade, but God's Word will live on and on..." https://www2.gideons.org/.