Dorothy Pray

Dorothy Louise (Erway) Pray, 88, peacefully passed away in her home August 20, 2025. She was born December 12, 1936, to Bevie Laverne Smith and Alpha Lorene Smith (Hull) in Cedarvale, Kansas.

Dorothy was a faithful woman of God, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She married Alfred Lee Erway July 23, 1960. During their 51 years of marriage, Dorothy and Alfred raised three children and were blessed with eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. After Alfred’s death, Dorothy married Ira Pray April 16, 2015.

Dorothy balanced home-making and career as a manager in banking and finance. Countless home-made meals were served and years of dedicated local church ministry were given. Dorothy was a gifted leader and manager of people but what she is best known for is her love of Bible teaching and mentorship. It’s impossible to calculate the lives that were touched through her Sunday School lessons, small group interactions, and one-on-one ministry and mentorship. One of her greatest attributes is the fact that her grandchildren looked to her as a teacher, encourager, and spiritual leader.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Alfred Erway; and her second husband, Ira Pray; sister-in-law, Nancy Smith; and brother-in-law, John Mason.

She is survived by brother, Charles Lee Smith of Peru, KS; sister, Alice Hook and husband Bob Hook of Caney, KS; sister, Linda Mason of Broken Arrow, OK; children, Greg (Denice) Erway, Rhonda (Bud) Meisch, Phillip (Sara) Erway; grandchildren, Chris, Leah, Loren, Alex, Kyle, Ethan, Colson, and Emma; and nine great grandchildren.

Service: Faith & Family Worship Center - 16976 SW County Line Rd, Rose Hill, KS; Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 W. Hwy 54, Wichita, KS 67209.