Dorothy Ruth Dunning was born December 31, 1922 in Seward County, Nebraska to Roy J. and Fern (Jennings) Hannah. She passed away May 20, 2020. Dorothy graduated from Jackson High School in Lincoln and earned her Bachelor of Science degree and Masters degree from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. During World War II, she was a member of the Army Signal Corp in Alexandria, Virginia. After the war she taught school in San Bernardino, California, Albion, Omaha, Kearney, Lincoln and Brownell schools in Nebraska.
Dorothy was active in parents without partners, which she was the president. Lincoln retired teachers association and Christ United Methodist Church. She enjoyed travelling in the U.S. and abroad, playing bridge and bingo, doing crossword puzzles and dancing and exercising.
She is survived by her sons, Steven Dunning and David Dunning. Her daughters Karen Dunning and Linda Dunning. Granddaughters Joy Dunning and Allison G. Buffum, grandsons Jonathan Dunning and David E. Dunning. Great grandsons Luca Clem, Keda Clem and Charlie Dunning. Great granddaughter Mila Dunning. Dorothy is preceded in death by her first husband Earl Dunning (1962) and her second husband Dale Rathe (2014).
Due to COVID restrictions, there will be a memorial service at a later date.
Memorials to Christ United Methodist Church or the Cat House.
Dorothy Dunning was my kindergarten teacher at Havelock grade school back in the mid 60’s. She was my favorite. I can fondly remember the first day and was surprised to hear my mom calling her by her first name. I told mom “Mom, that’s Mrs. Dunning.”
Really a fantastic woman in all respects, have known her all my life. She benefited everyone she came into contact with. We will all miss her and her warm heart and kind soul.
Karen and siblings, So sorry to read you lost your mom. Thinking of you. Sandy and Bob
Dear Sandy and Bob,
Thank you for your kind reply and warm thoughts. I’m grateful to have you as friends. I know mom really enjoyed knowing you and was tickled you came to share breakfast with us all in Eastridge before my sister and I drove a Uhaul to the west coast.
Have known Dorothy for many years. She was active in a Koininia group in church a number of years ago that included my mother-in-law. Later she became active in our United Methodist Women and was a member of my Miriam Circle for many years. She and Dale were a great couple. My sincere condolences to all of you. Donna
Dear Donna,
Thank you for your condolences and memories of mom. I know she treasured the time she spent knowing you and on activities at church. I was happy to be able to sing in the choir with you (and with Brenda as a child, too) and bring mom to church with me and my dog, Grace.
Much love, Karen
I did your Mom,s hair for many years at the Hairloom Salon. She always talked about her kids. She was very proud of all of you. She always was fun to have in my shop.We get know our clients very well and she was always a joy. We did not have much contact after she moved to the Legacy. I will always have fond memories of your mom. Good memories are great to keep in your heart. Thinking about her family. Sincerely Carolyn Hembree
I am so very sorry for your loss, I’ve come across this news through searches related to Dorothy Dunning of South Sterling, PA. My grandfather (Steve Newell)’s sister Mary was part of the incredible Dunning family and I currently own The Dunning House in South Sterling which sits alongside The Sterling Inn. If you are of relation, I would love to connect with you. Prayers to you and your family,
Marc Haynes
She was the life of my 1st cousin 2x removed Earl William Dunning Jr. While I never met her she really sounded like an interesting person. RIP
She was the wife of my 1st cousin 2x removed Earl William Dunning Jr. While I never met her she really sounded like an interesting person. RIP