Dorothy Eileen Wright Obituary

Dorothy Eileen Wright, 95, of Chariton, passed away the afternoon of September 19, 2015 at the Legacy Lodge in Chariton, Iowa.

A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Russell Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton.

Memorials may be made to Legacy Lodge or the Columbus Elementary School Library.

Eileen was born July 31, 1920 in Lucas County to Guy and Zella Parker. Eileen married Carl Henry Wright on March 15, 1941. The couple then made their home in Russell, where they raised their daughters, Dawn and Sherry.

Eileen taught elementary school, mostly kindergarten, for 38 years; including 21 in Chariton, 14 in Russell, and 3 in rural schools. Teaching was her passion, and her enthusiasm for education was always evident. After her retirement she enjoyed going to Elderhostel educational conferences held all over the United States.

Eileen always told kind, and often times humorous, stories about her former students. She loved it when former students would say to her, “You were my kindergarten teacher.”

She and Carl loved taking fishing trips to Minnesota and to the Mississippi River on a pontoon boat with their dear friends. They planted “master” gardens together. Eileen volunteered with community projects, church activities, and mentoring in schools. She enjoyed taking many trips to Sherry and Max’s in Port Huron, Michigan.

Eileen enjoyed growing flowers and was always excited to show her projects in the open class at the Russell Homecoming and the Lucas County Fair. She often times earned purple and/or blue ribbons.

She loved to shop, especially for her grandchildren. Eileen also enjoyed giving “surprise gifts” to her friends. Eileen looked forward to cooking family meals, even allowing her family to choose the menu!

Eileen is survived by her daughters, Dawn Beaty (Mike) of Russell and Sherry Haas of Chariton; brother, Bob Parker of Chariton; 3 grandchildren: Jeff Johnson (Shellie), Brian Beaty (Felicia), and Nicki Paige (Corey); and 9 great grandchildren: Broc Johnson, Brodey Johnson, Jordana Johnson Carpenter, Kelcii Johnson, Macey Beaty, Mikenzy Beaty, Blayne Beaty, Kasyn Paige, and Kynzlee Paige. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Henry Wright; her parents; sister-in-law, Arlene Parker; son-in-law, Max Haas; and nephew, Edward Parker.