Dorothy Louise Bridwell

Dorothy Louise Bridwell passed away July 8, 2011 at her home in Olathe, Kansas. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 11, 2011 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka, KS, followed by a Memorial Service on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 1:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 817 SW Harrison, Topeka, KS 66612. Private interment, Mt. Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Topeka Rescue Mission, Ronald McDonald House of Topeka, or to First Presbyterian Church.

Dorothy entered the world 86 years ago on July 27, 1924 in Topeka, Kansas and spent her childhood there. A graduate of Topeka High, she continued her education at Washburn University where she received a BA in Education after only three years.

Dorothy then taught high school before meeting her future husband Dr. Russell Bridwell. They were married in the Danforth Chapel on the Kansas University campus.

She was active in the Shawnee County Medical Alliance, the American Association of University Women at Washburn, the First Presbyterian Church, Family Service and Guidance, and was a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House for over 15 years.

Her hobbies included golf, swimming, organ music, reading and crafts.

She is survived by her three children; Deborah (Jason) Elwood, Roderick (Dana) Bridwell, and Barbara (Robert) Tatera; a brother Charles (Edee) Culbreath, seven grandchildren; Heather (David) Ent, Keith Elwood, Lindsay Tatera, Kristine Elwood, Kelly Tatera, Cassandra Bridwell, and Jared Bridwell, and two great grandchildren, Hannah and Dalton Ent. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Russell, in 2005.

Dorothy was a good, kind and charitable person who loved God and is with him now. Her family and friends will miss her deeply, but we will carry her in our hearts.