Dorotha Wood 1920-2025

Dorotha Marie Wood, 105, formerly of Hopkins, MO died May 8, 2025 at Maryville Living Center in Maryville, MO. She was born in 1920 in Bedford, Iowa to Roy Miller and Edith Gray Miller. She was the oldest of four children. In 1923, the family moved to Hopkins, Missouri where she spent most of her life.

Dorotha graduated from Hopkins High School in 1938 and attended Northwest Missouri State Teacher’s College in Maryville, MO for two years.

She married Ralph Wood in 1943 during World War II. He was serving in the Army at the time and was sent to fight in Europe after their wedding. They were married 61 years and had three children. They also opened their home to foster children and cared for 12 of them from 1951-1962.

In 1963 Dorotha returned to her high school, now named North Nodaway, to work as the secretary to the superintendent and school board. Over the next 23 years, she worked for eight superintendents before she retired.

Dorotha was always active in the First Baptist Church in Hopkins. She taught Sunday School and Bible School and also played the piano. She continued playing several decades until 2020. At the age of 100, she stepped down as pianist due to failing eyesight. But she continued playing the piano from memory until her 105th birthday.

Besides playing piano, Dorotha also enjoyed crocheting, quilting, sewing, gardening, cooking, making Christmas candy to donate, and participating in various clubs and organizations.

Dorotha was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brothers and their wives Donald Miller (Betty), Galen Miller (Celia), Richard Tiny Miller (Barbara), her son James Wood, and her Wood brothers-in law and sisters-law. She is survived by her daughters Sandra Mikulich and Linda Freemyer, sister-in-law Mary Wood, grandchildren Mark Wood, Jennifer Ausley, James Whittington, Shawn Mikulich, Keith Mikulich, Amber Watts, and Shanda Miller. She also leaves 13 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Visitation was at the First Baptist Church, Hopkins on Monday, May 12 at 10 AM. The funeral followed at 11:00 at the church. Burial was in Hopkins Cemetery, with many cars making up the procession.

Donations may be made in her memory to Hopkins Historical Society or North Nodaway High School.

Arrangements: Price Funeral Home