Dorothy Verts Caton, age 88, passed away peacefully Monday, January 20, 2025.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2025, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall, with Rev. Randy Shannon officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in Nelson Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to National Bird Hunters Association, Nelson Cemetery, Friends of Blackwater or Blackwater Lions Club. Friends may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com.
Dorothy was born August 31, 1936, in Nelson, Missouri to Shuck Tucker Verts and Lois Richardson Verts. She married her high school sweetheart, Gene Caton, on March 3, 1955. Dorothy and Gene made their home on their farm near Nelson, Missouri and had celebrated 39 years together when he preceded her in death on May 19, 1995. Dorothy was the loving mother to two proud sons: Greg (Sherri Lynn) and Joel (Kristina). She was the loving grandmother of 12 busy grandchildren: Willie, Tom, Sarah, Roza, Tucker, Kathryn, Rebekah, Samuel, Lorna Beth, Weston, Stephen, and Kayla. She was also the unfazed great-grandmother of 24 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her sons and their families, she is survived by her two sisters, Ann (Payne) and Vivian (Bailey) and her many nieces and nephews.
Dorothy excelled in all her chosen careers. For many years she worked full-time at the bank in Marshall Missouri (originally, Farmers Savings Bank) as a teller. Her work there was enriched by her deep understanding of her community, its history, and its people. Yet, as much as many knew her through her service at the bank, those closest to her remember her most at the center of a busy farming family—working alongside her husband and sons planting, tending, and harvesting the earth’s bounty. Her home on the farm was a haven; for many, stepping into her kitchen with its red and white checked tablecloth and something hot in the oven was how coming home should feel. Whether it was her legendary chocolate cake, a goodie from the green glass canisters, or a comfy spot for a nap, Dorothy’s home reflected her quiet, generous nature to all those who came within her influence.
And, throughout her life in between all her many, many responsibilities, she found time to enjoy the finer joys of life. Her enthusiasm for team sports, especially basketball, was unabated. Her love of cats was legendary—to be Dorothy’s cat was to live a happy life. She introduced those lucky enough to spend quiet time with her to the beautiful birds that she fed every day. She traveled with friends and family to exotic places like Aberdeen, Scotland and Branson, Missouri. Through all her years, her hands were busy with needlework, picking nuts, canning garden produce, or crossword puzzles.
Rooted in the rich soil of family, community, and nature, Dorothy’s sharp mind and clear understanding was shaped by a rare, thoughtful kindness and generosity. She leaves us with a legacy of warm hospitality and unconditional love. Her loyalty for both friends and family was of that rare vintage borne out of a heart that patiently and steadfastly speaks love through quiet service.