Dorothy Marie Kirkendall was born on July 23, 1946, to John R. (Dick) Sells and Catherine Schulenburg – Sells in Falls City, Nebraska. She was raised in Rulo, Nebraska and grew up helping with the family farm, rodeo grounds, and raising livestock. She was hard worker and may have raised a little heck along the way.
She married Kenneth (Kenny) Kirkendall on April 11, 1970. They later divorced. Most days, Dorothy could be found giving of herself at Midland Villa Nursing Home where she was employed for over 30 years. She found joy in helping residents in many aspects, whether it be in the dining room, washing clothes, passing medications, or entertaining them with one of her head stands, simply being a listening ear, or holding a dying person’s hand. The residents of the nursing home brought her true joy and she continued to speak fondly of her days there until shortly before her own passing.
In addition to the nursing home, Dorothy dedicated many years to the volunteer ambulance squad, participated in VFW, Jaycees, Catholic Daughters, and the Immaculate Conception Altar Society. She could also be heard, really heard, yelling in the stands of her children and grandchildren’s various sporting events.
Dorothy is survived by her five children, Joe Kirkendall of Marion Indiana, Trish Madsen (Erik) of Hiawatha, Ks, Jared (Merci) Kirkendall, John (Regina) Kirkendall of Falls City, Ne, and Vicki (Josh) Luce of Manhattan, Ks, sister Delores Holtz, brothers Don (Kate) Sells, and Tom (Dina) Sells, 17 grandchildren, and many great and great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Loretta Scheitel, brother Mike Sells, infant sister Patricia Sells, and daughter-in-law Belinda Kirkendall.
Her biggest legacy that she leaves behind is her true and unwavering love of God. Her Catholic faith was the absolute most important thing in her life, and she was not afraid to let everyone know that. She prayed fiercely and faithfully until her final moments. Her biggest goal in this life was reaching Heaven in the next. She accomplished that goal, peacefully at her own home on December 2, 2024, surrounded by her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Ben Rynearson as the presiding priest. Interment will be in Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery.
A Parish Rosary will be recited on Friday at 7:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home. The family will greet friends following the rosary.
