WICHITA - Dortha A. Quimby, 87, died Monday, July 22, 2013. She was born Jan. 16, 1926, in Poyen, Ark., the daughter of Benjamin and Maude Byrd Ellerd.

She was a 1943 graduate of El Reno, Oklahoma High School, where she met the love of her life, Kenneth D. Quimby. They were married after high school, Sept. 22, 1943 in El Reno.

Ken entered the U.S. Air Force. After the war they lived in Arkansas City where Ken worked and went to junior college. After Susan and Dianne were born in Arkansas City, they moved to Stillwater, Okla. for Ken to complete his education at Oklahoma State University. After a brief time in Great Bend, Kan., the family moved to Hutchinson, where they lived for 35 years. Dortha and Ken were happily married for 62 years and enjoyed traveling, particularly when Ken had his airplanes. They didn't take trips, they had adventures! Her greatest joys were her children, grandchildren and she was particularly proud of her great-grandson born in 2012. She was a loving mother, active in her children and grandchildren's activities and helping to celebrate each one's accomplishments as they grew up. Dortha's passions were playing bridge and golfing at Carey Park Golf Course.

She is survived by: her children and their spouses, Susan and Mac Barnett of Wichita, C. Dianne and Alan Williams of Midland, Texas, Ken and Laura of Maumelle, Ark.; eight grandchildren, Jack Hughes Jr., Julia Hughes, Jennifer Hughes, Ashley (Philip) Davenport, Austin Quimby, Chandler Williams, Ann (Mat Raymond), Roger (Giselle) McVey; and a great-grandson, Barrett Davenport. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth; brothers, Everett and Ben Ellerd; a sister, Christine Bowling; and two grandsons, Cole Williams and Taylor Quimby.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2013, at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson, with Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Cole Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund or Little Rock Zoo or Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, Toledo, OH, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.