Dorothy Irene Uebelein, 86, passed on to her eternal home July 1, 2026. She was born April 29, 1940 in Butler County, MO. She married the love of her life, Charles, June 14, 1958 having just celebrated 68 years together.

In her younger years Dorothy attended a one room school and later Poplar Bluff High School. Her senior year she did a work study, attending school half day and assisting a special education classroom the other half, even teaching when the teacher was out. Dorothy cheered the football team on, a proud Mule-ette!

Dorothy and Charles moved around the country with his job at McDonnell Douglas living in over 18 homes. She was always so creative, furnishing their home with garage sale items and then having those items "re-homed" by the time they moved again. They traveled the world together with Israel being her favorite.

Dorothy's primary role was wife, homemaker and mother, but one interesting job she did have was as a seamstress at a high end children's clothing store in Clayton. Sewing was a hobby, from curtains to tablecloths to things for the grandchildren- sweet dresses, pajamas, costumes, and stuffed animals. She also loved cooking 4 course meals for the family- using just a few leftovers she'd create a masterpiece, just ask her kids about that! Dorothy was an avid reader, especially her bible, the newspaper and the fashion section.

Dorothy's favorite thing to do was host, she loved a good party. She had the most creative themes and decorations. From hobo parties, to hat parties, tea parties and birthday parties. She also had "Dorothy created games" always filled with singing and laughter. Family gatherings were always top of her list. She began the tradition of homemade gingerbread houses over 34 years ago at Thanksgiving. She would make up to 20 houses for her grandchildren and family to decorate- always a fun time.

Most of all, Dorothy loved the Lord and her family. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. They brought her such joy and happiness. They fondly remember the many walks she would take them on, pointing out & teaching them about the many flowers and trees along the way. She read the best bedtime stories, many times making up her own. She even wrote her own book & had it published for her grandchildren. On their birthdays or other special gathering times she and their grandpa would give them a couple of dollars and take them to the dollar store. She always loved seeing the variety of things the kids would buy.

Dorothy had a deep faith. Her love for the Lord was a beautiful thing to see. She attended many congregations over the years with all the moves and along the way made many friends whom she stayed in touch with. She taught at women's gatherings and children's bible classes for decades. She always made class exciting whether thru her flannel graphs, crafts, or the way she told the stories. The generation of 5th grade children who got to experience a "real" passover meal was truly blessed and probably still remember. She was excited every year to plan VBS crafts and decorate the church with the chosen theme.

Dorothy hardly knew a stranger and loved talking to everyone. She will be dearly missed, but know we will reunite again.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents Joseph M. Deal and Katie Deal, brother Joseph E. Deal, sister Dena Badgett, and her dear granddaughter Mary Joy Uebelein. In addition to her husband Charles,  Dorothy is survived by sister Linda (John) Sykes, Brother David (Capathia) Deal, and a brother-in-law Jim Badgett. Her Children Kevin (Laura) Uebelein, Keith (Sherry) Uebelein, Melanie (Achim) Geiler and Tam Vo (Hung Le). Nine Grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services: Celebration of Life will be Sunday, July 12, 2026

Lafayette Church of Christ
115 New Ballwin Rd
Ballwin MO 63011

Visitation 2:00 with service immediately following

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to one of the following  charities that hold special meaning to Dorothy.

Christian Family Services of St. Louis
7955 Big Bend Blvd
Webster Groves MO 63119
www.stlcfs.org

BreakDown STL
16105 Swingley Ridge Rd
Unit 165
Chesterfield MO 63006
www.breakdownstl.org

Christian Homes and Family Services- Abilene TX
1202 Estates Dr
Abilene TX 79602
www.christianhome.com