Dorothy M. Gilmer, 99, of Maynard, Iowa died on Sunday evening, December 27, 2015 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 31, 2015 at the Randalia United Methodist Church, Randalia with Pastor Mike Christie officiating. Visitation: 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Maynard and for one hour before services at the church on Thursday. Interment: Long Grove Cemetery, Maynard, Iowa. A Memorial Fund has been established for the Randalia United Methodist Church or the donor’s choice.

Dorothy Merle Holmes was born on February 21, 1916 near Randalia, Iowa the daughter of Vern Sullivan & Lillian May (Ruvenacht) Holmes. She graduated from Randalia High School and continued her education at Upper Iowa College in Fayette. She received her teaching degree and taught in rural Fayette County schools for five years. Dorothy was united in marriage to Ralph Mitchell Gilmer on June 8, 1941 at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Maynard. Dorothy was a homemaker. Also, she later worked as a postal clerk for 18 ½ years primarily in Maynard but also in Hazleton, Stanley and Arlington. Dorothy had been a resident of Maple Crest Manor in Fayette since June of 2013.

Dorothy was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Maynard where she was actively involved in the church with the United Methodist Women, teaching Sunday school and teaching bible school. In 2008, when the Maynard church was closed, Dorothy transferred her membership to the Randalia United Methodist Church. When Dorothy’s children were in school, she was active in the P.T.A. Dorothy enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and playing cards.

Dorothy is survived by her 2 Daughters: Marilyn (Donald) Lala of Center Point & Ann Bailey of Hampton; 4 Grandchildren; 2 Step Grandchildren; 1 Great Granddaughter; 3 Great Grandsons; Several Step Great Grandchildren; 1 Step Great Great Grandson; Brother: Kenneth Holmes of Menifee, California and Nieces & Nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Ralph on May 24, 2000, 2 sisters: Loretta Miller and Evelyn Chase and a brother: Ralph Holmes.