Dolores "Dotty" E. Dukes

Dolores (Dotty) VanZant Dukes passed from this life to eternity on August 16, 2024. She was born on May 24, 1927 and raised on a farm in Paden, Oklahoma with her loving parents and five siblings. Dotty and her husband, Edward Dukes, were married in January 1948.

The Air Force enabled them to reside in many states, including South Carolina, Washington, Nebraska, Texas, and California. They enjoyed living in Germany where they adopted their son, Larry, in Cologne in 1958. Prior to moving to Harrah in 1963, Edward had retired from the Air Force. Harrah was the home they had always wanted and gave them an opportunity to strengthen relationships with their parents, relatives, and friends.

With the support of her family, Dotty earned a B.S. in Education in 1972 and a Master of Education from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1976. She taught sixth, seventh, and eighth grades until her retirement in 1990. Dotty believed each student could have a productive life in a complex society.

Retirement was a time of reflection and satisfaction; however, Dotty remained active and sought new experiences. She enjoyed traveling, landscaping, gardening, and volunteering for various organizations. She shared that her most rewarding and precious times were with her family. Dotty’s Christian faith informed how she related to people and faced challenges. Her children and grandchildren will always remember her loving spirit, elegant presence, encouragement, and wisdom.

Dotty is preceded in death by her husband, Edward; her parents, Helen and Arthur VanZant; her sisters, Joy Richmond and Rose Johnson; and her brother, John VanZant. Dotty is survived by her son, Larry, and his wife, Sherry, of Broken Arrow; grandson, Tony, and his wife, Kristina, of Bentonville, AR; granddaughters, Emily and Mandy, of Broken Arrow; and great-grandchildren, Alex, Audriana, and Aleena. She is also survived by her sisters, Wanda Shivers and Shirley Bean, of Paden; and many nieces and nephews.

For those attending her celebration of life, Dotty requested that attendees do not wear black.

Services will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Parks Brothers Funeral Service Chapel, Prague, OK with burial to follow at Oakdale Cemetery in Paden, OK. A guest book is available to share your memories on-line. Please visit www.ParksBrothers.net. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague, Oklahoma.