Dolores Dean Towner, Dory to her friends, and DD to her grandchildren, 91 of Pittsburg, Kansas died peacefully on June 12, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family and Labrador Moe.
Dory was born on March 30, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan to Louise Mingori and Marie [Salvador] Mingori. Dory spent her early life in Kansas City before moving to Pittsburg in high school. She graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1949, during which she was blessed and honored as May Queen.
Following graduation, Dory returned to Kansas City to work for the Kansas City Southern Railroad. On August 10, 1957, Dory entered the sacrament of matrimony with John B. Towner at Our Lady of Lourdes church. On May 30, 1958, she and JB received a "little surprise" when unbeknownst to them, Dory delivered not one but two babies, John Timothy and Terrance Daniel Towner. On January 29, 1962, Dory and JB welcomed their third son. Joseph Anthony Towner.
Dory was a talented singer throughout her life and an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. She was an excellent cook, blessing family and friends with cinnamon rolls, pecan rolls, her special "chip chocolate" cookies, and traditional Italian foods. A favorite treat was her cappellettis served at Christmas dinner and on special occasions. She loved wildlife and was momma to many, many dogs, especially black Labrador retrievers. Dory was known to love her vino provided by her secret local sources.
Grandma DD delighted in and loved all her family, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild. She was a devout Catholic with membership at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Pittsburg. Dory maintained a lifelong devotion to the Blessed Mother and was dedicated to her daily rosary. She maintained a shrine to the Blessed Mother in her bedroom, surrounded by a collection of rosaries and flowers.
She was preceded in death by her husband JB, her parents, two brothers and many pets. She is survived by three sons, Tim Towner and husband Patrick O'Bryan, Terry Towner and wife Karen, and Joe Towner and partner George Parker; four grandchildren, Stuart [Makala] Towner, Maria [Isaac] Hindle, Olivia [Michael] Grosdidier and Adrienne [Ryan] Ramler; six great-grandchildren, Ali and Beckham Towner, Auna and Graham Grosdidier, and Hudson Hindle and new baby Hindle expected soon; and one great-great-grandchild Kennedy McKeough; along with many nieces, nephews, and her faithful dog-son, Moe.
Mass of the Christian Burial is scheduled at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 16, 2023, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, with Father Chris Rumback as celebrant. Burial will follow in Highland Park Cemetery, Pittsburg. A parish rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Brenner Mortuary. The family will receive friends following the rosary until 8:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.
Mom/DD, we will greatly miss you but take comfort in knowing that you are reunited with Dad and all of the Towner/Mingori/Salvador family basking in the glory of God. "We love you with all our hearts, keep smiling and be happy."
