Dorothy Wilks

Rose Hill - Wilks, Dorothy, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Thursday, July 21, 2022.

Memorial Service: 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Rose Hill United Methodist Church, 19551 SW Butler Rd, Rose Hill.

Dorothy was born on April 11, 1944, in Wichita, KS, the daughter of Floyd and Waldena (Cox) Showalter. She grew up on the family farm in Rose Hill and graduated from Rose Hill High School in 1962. Without wasting any time, on June 8, 1962, Dorothy married her high school sweetheart, Jack Wilks, at the Friends Church in Rose Hill. They continued life in Rose Hill, growing their family and enjoying 60 years of marriage together. Dorothy was employed for 27 years at Boeing and didn’t waste a minute jumping into retirement when Boeing offered an early retirement plan a couple of months before she turned 55!

Though Jack was the love of her life, Dorothy had a big place in her heart for both Elvis and George Brett. She loved time at Table Rock Lake and fishing, always catching the biggest fish! Dorothy loved the process of trip planning as much as the travel itself and together with Jack had seen the 48 contiguous states and Hawaii. Her greatest joy was her family, Nana time with grandkids, and most recently the love and laughter of those who called her Grandma-Great. Dorothy was hospitable, spirited, and full of fun, never knowing a stranger and always up for a gathering of family and friends. For the last number of years, she bravely battled Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Now, even in our grief, we rejoice that she is restored and home in eternity.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Waldena (Cox) Showalter; siblings, Dayle Showalter, Doris Fasano, DonnaBelle Chance, and Dennis Showalter.

Survivors include her husband, Jack Wilks; children, Tim Wilks (Sherri) and Dena Dassel (Mike); five grandchildren, Alex Wilks, Kasey Ryan (Gabe), Kylee (Keevin) Stutheit, Derek Dassel (Kayla), and Raegan Epps (Zach); three great grandchildren, Emme Jo, Annabelle, and Ezra Stutheit; many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Memorials have been established with Good Shepherd Hospice, 505 E 16th St Suite 1, Wellington, KS 67152 and Rose Hill United Methodist Church, 19551 SW Butler Rd, Rose Hill, KS 67133.