“This thou perceiv’st, which makes thy love more strong, to love that well, which thou must leave ere long.” Wm. Shakespeare, Sonnet 73
Dorothy Nolte, 94, Bryan, Texas, joined her loved ones in heaven who have gone before her June 9, 2023.
She was born Aug. 29, 1928, the seventh of eight children, to the late Virgil Preston Lansford and Mary Ann (Maples) Lansford at home in Judge.
She was a 1947 graduate of Linn High School where she played on the girls’ basketball team and where she caught the eye of a handsome young sailor home from the war.
Dorothy was united in marriage to Lowell Augustus Nolte March 18, 1950, at Solid Rock Baptist Church in Judge. He preceded her in death on March 2, 1979, at age 54. Lowell was the first of their combined 18 siblings and spouses to pass and Dorothy was the last.
She began her banking career at Linn State Bank the day after she graduated from high school. After marrying and moving to Jefferson City, Dorothy worked at Central Trust Bank until she had children. Later when the children were in high school, Dorothy worked in accounting at Westinghouse for 21 years until her retirement in 1990.
She and Lowell were Charter Members of Calvary Baptist Church in 1951. Over the years Dorothy faithfully served in many roles as church treasurer, Sunday School teacher and director, Training Union director, VBS director and Women’s Missionary Union director.
“Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:21
She enjoyed working in her yard and gardening and proudly mowed her lawn until she turned 80, much to the dismay of her children. Dorothy planned many family vacations to World’s Fairs in Seattle, New York, Montreal and New Orleans, as well as other trips to Washington, D.C., Florida, Colorado, Texas, Pennsylvania, Alaska and Hawaii. All accomplished without the convenience of the internet, but with the benefit of having won the first built Play-Mor Travel Trailer. After retirement, she and her dear friend, Carrie Tallman, made many memories visiting all the Scandinavian countries, as well as Russia, France, England, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
Dorothy moved to College Station,Texas in 2003 to be a full-time grandma.
She was preceded in death by husband, Lowell, parents, Virgil and Mary Ann; siblings, Ruby Branson, Gerald Lansford, Troy Lansford, Geraldine Baker, Oma Huot, Nelda Marie Lansford and Ruth McCoy.
Dorothy is survived by daughter, Dr. Virgie Bay Nolte and husband, Dr. James Roth of College Station, Texas; son, Thomas Ray Nolte and wife, Connie Hensley Nolte of Lenexa, Kan.; grandchildren, Brooke Elizabeth Nolte Perry of Oklahoma City, Hart Augustus Nolte-Roth of Fort Worth, Texas, Kate Alexandra Nolte of Jacksonville, Fla. and Merritt Bay Nolte-Roth of Houston, Texas; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 24, at Calvary Baptist Church in Jefferson City with former pastor Rev. Robert Payne officiating. A reception will follow the services in the Church Fellowship Hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mortonchapel.com
