Services for Dorothy Lorenz Ellis will be 11 a.m., Thursday, May 26, 2011, at First United Methodist Church where she has been a faithful member for 65 years. Her pastor, Dr. Ray Crawford will share words of comfort. A private burial will follow under the direction of Rice Funeral Service. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday evening. Dorothy passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2011. She was 93. Born July 28, 1917 in Okeene to Ruben and Leah (Laubach) Lorenz, Dorothy was reared and educated in her birth community. In 1935 she and Joe Ellis married in Okeene and made their first home in Albuquerque, N.M. After America entered World War II, Joe was called to train pilots at the Will Rogers Airport for the Oklahoma Military Academy. At this time Dorothy also contributed to the war effort by working at Douglas Aircraft. After the war, Joe and Dorothy, being charmed by Claremore decided to make it their permanent home. Joe began a career of entrepreneurship and Dorothy supported his dreams and many endeavors. In 1956 Dorothy and her dear friend, Louise Baker, partnered to open a dress shop on Main Street, a Claremore landmark, The Dorothy Louise Shop. Over 36 years their employees and community became part of their extended family. The Dorothy Louise family appreciated the opportunity to develop dear friendships with wonderful people in the community that they loved. Growing up on a farm, Dorothy enjoyed gardening and animals. Into her 90's one of her joys was sacking up her harvest and delivering it to her friends. Dorothy possessed amazing energy and drive which allowed her to pursue many interest such as sewing and painting in watercolors, pastels and oils. Dorothy and Joe both enjoyed cooking and loved to entertain in their home. One of Dorothy's passions was reading nonfiction books and sharing them with her friends and family. Over the years the lovely ladies at the library kept her well supplied with books. Her life was blessed with life-long friends that came through her Church Family, her Fellowship Sunday School Class, her Esther Circle, her 61-year membership in Quest Club, her 40-year membership of Credit Women International, and her canasta card group. Dorothy was deeply loved by her family. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Stafira and husband, John, of Claremore; grandchildren John Ellis Stafira of Dallas and Dr. Jeff Stafira and wife, Robbie, of Tulsa; great grandchild, Jeffrey Stafira, also of Tulsa; and sister, Vernita Secor of Enid. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joe Ellis, son, Joe Ellis, Jr., and two brothers, Ruben Lorenz and Lavern Lorenz. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1615 N. Highway 88, Claremore, OK 74017.