Dorothy Maxine Doennig

Dorothy Maxine (Schnake) Doennig was born in Lawrence County, Missouri, August 21, 1934, and was welcomed into Heaven by her Savior on August 7, 2026, at her home in Ozark, Missouri. As a child, Dorothy attended schools and churches throughout Lawrence County. She was saved at the age of 11 at Downey Church and served the Lord her whole life. She attended Verona High School but then moved her senior year and graduated from Mt. Vernon High School. She had wonderful memories of visiting with her many Schnake cousins during these years.

She married Wilbur Doennig June 29, 1952, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistatt. They lived in Monett until moving to Ozark in 1966. Dorothy worked at Vaisey Bristol Shoe Company for five years. After having children, Dorothy became a full-time mom and worked with Wilbur on the farm. She did the milking, cut and raked hay. A big garden and canning were always a part of her life. In later years, Wilbur did dump truck hauling and road work. Dorothy continued to operate this business for several years after his death in 1994. She helped with paperwork/records for Selmore Special Road District as Wilbur, then later Curtis, did the road work. She volunteered at elections many years. When the church doors were open, she was there with her family as her faith was a vital part of her life. When they moved to Ozark, they attended Oak Ridge Full Gospel church. She was attending there, now called Healing River Worship Center, until she became homebound.

Dorothy’s home was always a busy place. She became “Granny” to many. Many times, in Monett and Ozark, there was someone living with them and helping with the farm work. When the boys were younger, she never knew how many other boys might be getting off the bus to stay a day or two. As they got older, many were around to haul hay. After Chuck started Doennig Swings and Paintball, there were many workers that were in and out of the house all hours of the day and night. Her life was never a quiet one because her home was always open as a place to eat and sleep. She was surrounded by many that loved her.

Dorothy’s greatest joy and recipients of her prayers were her children and grandchildren. She is survived by children Cathy Leslie, Chuck Doennig, Curtis Doennig, and Cammy Plumb (Nelson); Grandchildren Briawna Leslie, Sharesa Rodgers, Lacey Rodgers, and Blake Doennig; Great-Grandchildren Kierra, Sophia, Ezekiel, Joseph, Logan, and Malachi. She is also survived by her sister Erma Langley, sisters-in-law Gloria Buttes (Larry) and Marjie Schnake, brothers-in-law Gerald Doennig and Chuck Long (Polly). Dorothy has many nieces and nephews who were dear to her and many referred to her as Aunt Dot. She is also survived by neighbors and friends who thought the world of her.

She was preceded in death by her husband Wilbur Doennig; parents Lloyd and Opal Schnake; father-in-law and mother-in-law Herman and Esther Doennig; and siblings Earl Schnake, John Schnake, Faye Swearengin, Jean Evans, Linda Beck Fry, and Kaye Long.

The family would like to express thanks to those that helped with Dorothy since we got her back home February, 2025, after her last fall in October, 2024. She never fully regained her physical independence. We don’t know how we could have managed without the help of Robbie Hagood. She has been an angel to mom and us. Several others, including Janette Ingle and Bethany Eaton, also helped and we so appreciate it. Thanks to Cheri Burns who came to the house to be mom’s hairdresser. A special thanks to Terry Robinson who would always cheer mom up with his humor and attention when he stopped in to see her. It made the long days better for her. Thank you to everyone who has surrounded our family with prayers and love as we celebrate her life. We rejoice knowing she is now fully healed and restored and we will join her again someday.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Healing River Worship Center, 265 Oak Ridge Road, Walnut Shade, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Pastor Tim Snider officiating. 

Burial will follow at Selmore Cemetery, Ozark. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.

Memorial donations may be made to Selmore Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 97, Ozark, MO 65721.