"Dorothy Maxine Messer was born in Burbank, CA on May 2, 1928. She grew up in the town of Fillmore, the only child of Lloyd and Eva Messer. The Valedictorian of her high school class, she had a love of learning that lasted a lifetime. She married Winston Haase on November 28, 1948, and they welcomed their first child, Georgia Ann, the following year. The family grew again 7 years later, with the addition of Robert Scott.
Dorothy was an active participant in the community of Fillmore, organizing the Fillmore Festival for many years and helping found the Historical Museum. She spent many hours volunteering as a Band Booster for the high school and helped establish the Neighborhood Watch in town.
After spending her whole life in the same small town, Dorothy was ready for a new adventure. In 1996, she relocated to Ozark, MO, eager to experience life in a place with 4 seasons. She got involved in her new community by becoming a Master Gardener and a Red Hatter. She loved Jesus and used her gift of playing piano in worship until her last days.
Dorothy fell ill on Easter morning, and passed away on April 17th. She touched many people through her daily posts of encouragement on Facebook and will be greatly missed by friends near and far. Family meant everything to her, and she spoke lovingly about them to anyone who would listen. She became a great-great-grandma in February and was very proud of her 5 generations.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Winston, in 1983. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Georgia Beck and Lee, of Ozark, MO; her son Robert Haase and Lela, of Mannford, OK; her grandchildren Nathan Thompson, Lisa Stenfort, Jacob Haase, and Naomi Flowers; her great-grandchildren Tara Higgins, Amanda Thompson, Lindsay Thompson, Samantha Fair, Matthew Stenfort, Winston Haase and Oliver Haase; and her great-great granddaughter Lily Fair.
A graveside service will be held at the Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 S. Sespe St, Fillmore, CA at 2:00 on April 20, 2018. A memorial service will be held at Fairview Baptist Church , 2144 State Hwy PP, Sparta, MO, at 2:00 pm on April 27, 2018.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jesus was Homeless, 1440 State Highway 248, Suite Q-442, Branson, MO 65616 ; or please donate to your favorite charitable cause in Dorothy’s honor."