Dorothy Dee (Crooks) Rubart, formerly of Ulysses, passed away peacefully September 28, at her home in Fayetteville, Ark., surrounded by the love and care of the family she dedicated her life to.
Dorothy was born August 17, 1934, to Andrew and Golda (Shaver) Crooks, in Burlington, Kan.
Dorothy grew up with five older siblings and spent her youth in the various rural counties of eastern Kansas, as her father moved around for his work in the oil fields. In 1940, her family settled in Madison, where Dorothy met her future husband, Perry Rubart.
The high school sweethearts married August 11, 1951, and took up residence in Madison. They welcomed their first daughter, Jacquelyn Dee, in 1952. The young family moved briefly to the Army base at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, but after Perry shipped out for the war in Korea, Dorothy and Jackie returned to Madison. Perry rejoined them after his time of service was complete.
From 1956-1960, they lived in Drumright, Okla. During this time, two additional daughters were joyfully added to their family: Teresa Ann was born in 1955, and Deborah Kay joined them in 1957.
It was also during their time in Drumright that Dorothy and Perry became Christians, a fitting decision for people whose lives were so thoroughly permeated by love.
In 1960, the family moved to Ulysses, where for nearly six decades, Dorothy continued to dedicate herself to establishing a flourishing life for their family in every way imaginable. When she and Perry built their home, she took on the enormous task of staining all the woodwork herself. She sewed clothes for the girls, making sure to have them in coordinating dresses for special occasions.
She supported Perry in his business pursuit: keeping everything in order at the office, delivering tires, working in the tire and antique store, attending auctions to buy antiques. And most of all, driving him all over the country for his various commitments. (Those who know Perry know he wouldn’t have made it far without Dorothy!)
The family placed membership in the Ulysses Church of Christ, where through the years, Dorothy served by teaching Bible classes, contributing to VBS programs, hosting many a youth gathering and decorating for the Junior-Senior Party.
Perry would plant and tend gardens, but Dorothy was the true master of knowing how to cook, can, freeze, and preserve all the bounty they produced. There was always enough room—and enough food! —to add one more person to their table. Many people, particularly her grandchildren, marveled over Dorothy’s perfect mashed potatoes and gravy, her delicious thin pancakes with the crispy edges (eaten with roast beef and sweet onion) and her exquisite pies.
She was present at countless ball games, birthdays, graduations, hospital visits, weddings, and holidays, always demonstrating her support for those she loved. Dorothy certainly delighted in any opportunity to see her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, so in 2019, she and Perry moved to Fayetteville, Ark., to be closer to more of their family.
Dorothy is preceded in death by Perry, her husband of 71 years; as well as by her cherished daughter, Teresa, who greeted them both in heaven. She is also preceded in death by her parents and all her siblings: the five she grew up with—Ruby Everett, Clifford Crooks, Iolene White, Carl Crooks, and Meryl Crooks—as well as three who died in infancy before she was born—Rosa Crooks, Virginia Crooks, and Richard Crooks.
She leaves behind so many family members who will miss her deeply: Jackie and Wendell Beall, Debbie and Kenney Sneyd; son-in-law Greg Grounds, eight grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
All throughout her 90 years in this world, Dorothy embodied what Proverbs 31 says about a woman of noble character. Day after day, she worked selflessly at whatever was put in front of her to do for her family’s well-being. Even in her very last days, she sought to take care of those she loved. Her life left a lasting mark, demonstrating the unimaginably powerful impact that love for and dedication to family can have. She always was and still is, as Proverbs 31 also says, clothed with strength and dignity. She is now at the feet of Jesus, reunited with Perry, Teresa, and many other loved ones who were the center of her life.
Please join us to celebrate Dorothy’s life when we gather for a visitation from 2-3 pm October 5, at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses.
There will be a private graveside service at the Ulysses Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, KS 67880.
We also ask that you hug your loved ones and enjoy a cherry pie with them in Dorothy’s memory. Just know that the pie doesn’t stand a chance of being as good as hers always were!
Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
