Dorothy Jean Sullivan Boutwell passed through the gates of Heaven on October 26, 2008, surrounded by family and friends who loved and cherished her. Dorothy had a long battle with ALS, but is now walking on streets of gold worshiping her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a longtime Ozarks area resident. Dorothy was born on August 29, 1938, in Tucumcari, N.M. She spent her early school years in El Paso, Texas, where she met her husband, Ronald Edward Boutwell, and was joined in marriage on July 30, 1960. She was a graduate of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar where she also raised her family. After graduation she worked for the Missouri Department of Social Services until her retirement. Dorothy was a member of Second Baptist Church and enjoyed the fellowship of friends through her Sunday school class. Due to her illness, she began attending Ozark Highlands Church in Ozark and truly enjoyed the spirit and fellowship of this new church. Dorothy was a firm support for her husband, Ron, founder of Stained Glass Theatre (SGT). Her passion for SGT began long before the theatre ministry raised its first curtain. Her love for SGT continued for many years as she created costumes, hosted cast parties, and many other capacities. Dorothy also enjoyed reading, home remodeling, swimming and time spent with family and friends. Dorothy's desire for others to know her Savior is expressed through her favorite Scripture, Philippians 1:19, "For I know that that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance." Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, James and Doris Sullivan. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Edward Boutwell, who loved and cherished her for a lifetime; one brother, Jimmie Dale Sullivan; and sister-in-law Sylvia Williams and husband, Gene. She will be missed by her two children and their spouses, James Boutwell and Sheila, and Denise Schriver and Kevin; grandchildren, Charity, Heather, Steven, Lauren, Alex, Mackenzie, Megan, Jeremy, Caitlin, Jordan, Jared, Konner and Benjamin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Arrangements will be under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E. Seminole. Visitation will be on October 29, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial celebration service will be October 30, 2008, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family would like to suggest memorial contributions be made in Dorothy's memory to Stained Glass Theatre, 1996 W. Evangel, Ozark, MO 65721.

Springfield News Leader; Springfield, MO; October 29, 2008