Dorothy Ann Batley, 80, of Pittsburg (formerly of Cherokee), died unexpectedly at 12:18 a.m. on August 24, 2023, at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Medical Center in Merriam, Kansas, after a brief illness.
Dorothy was born in Pittsburg to Alexander Read and Margie Thelma (Harrison) Batley on March 3, 1943. She was raised in Cherokee and attended school there, graduating with the Cherokee Community High School class of 1961, later attending the Joplin Business College.
Dorothy worked at Barto’s Idle Hour for nearly 50 years, leaving only for a brief time in the early 1970s to work for the U.S. Census Bureau. Over her long and storied career at Barto’s, she logged countless miles covering her section and satisfying the SEK fried chicken cravings of her legion of dedicated customers and the occasional newcomer lucky enough to claim one of her tables.
Dorothy was known for her remarkable memory – at work at least – taking drink and food orders for parties of nearly any size without ever writing anything down at the table. Going so far as to remember the usual orders of her regulars and even folks she hadn’t waited on, or seen, in years. Very rarely did she get an order wrong, and if she did it was likely because someone changed their mind mid-order. To all her beloved customers over the years, thank you. Your dedication and friendship were very important to her.
In her spare time, she loved selling (and collecting) Princess House Crystal and traveling to the annual conventions with her PHC friends and cohorts. She also frequently traveled to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Gulf coast to visit many of her dear friends and soak up the sun.
She is survived by a son, Tyler Kent Batley, of Pittsburg. Additional survivors include niece Robin (Dennis) Spencer, of Pittsburg, who helped provide for her care; nephew Bill (Cheryl) Jones, of Dale, Texas; nephew David Schober of Pittsburg; niece Tina Vann of Independence, Missouri; and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; half-brother Kenneth R. Batley; half-sister Eddie Mae Blum; brother Michael A. Batley; and a nephew Michael J. Schober.
A private grave-side service will be held at Mount Olive Cemetery in Pittsburg. A Celebration of Life is planned to be held on her upcoming birthday, March 3, 2024.
Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.
