Dorothy Fox

Dorothy L. (Miller) Fox, 79, of Independence, MO passed away September 17, 2009 at Centerpoint Medical Center. A memorial visitation will be held from 1-2:00 p.m. with a 2:00 p.m. service to follow on Monday, September 21, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. What can you say about a woman who was so unique? The usual information found in obituaries--born (Quincy, Illinois and raised in Hannibal, Missouri), Parents (Dorothy DeRouse, Allen Miller)--is way too banal for a woman who leaves behind such a legacy of spirit, intelligence and humor. Where to start? What about the fact that she was in the Air Force the first few years of the WAF program and upon discharge won $900 in a crap game that paid for her first pregnancy? Shouldn’t people know that she was a beatnik, complete with bongo drums and black tights? Can we really do her justice if we don’t mention her loud and eloquent campaign to legalize gambling, marijuana and prostitution? There will never be another Dorothy Fox. She leaves behind her very patient husband, Matthew; four sometimes embarrassed yet always awed daughters: Becky, Grace, Amy and Nancy; six amazing grandchildren: Kate, Tess, Jasmine (her flower), TJ, Sarah and Connor; four sons-in-law whom she considered the sons she never had: smart Paul, clever Troy, handsome Ron and strong Kent; and four great grandchildren: Joshua, who will carry the light and wonder of Granny to Chloe, Brody, Luke and all to follow.