of Batesville, AR
May 24, 1932 - January 6, 2021
Della Mae Dortch, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and loved ones on Tuesday, January 6, 2021.
Della Mae was born May 24, 1932 in Harrison, Arkansas, Daughter of the late Mertie Arnold and Damon Duffield Dunkin. Her father passed away in 1933 leaving her mother widowed with two young daughters ages 2 and 3. Her mother later married Alexander M. Harris when Della Mae was 13. She was raised in Little Rock until she began attending Holland Hall, in Tulsa Oklahoma.
She met her future husband, George L. Dortch at a dance in Little Rock while he was attending Culver Military Academy. On June 18, 1955 Della Mae and George were married in the home at Scott, Arkansas. They embarked on a life together in the Air Force beginning in Malden, Missouri, then graduating from flight school in Big Springs, Texas then San Antonio at Kelly Air Force Base.
After the military they lived in Scott. Arkansas for a time before her husband was employed at Silica Products at Guion, Arkansas. While in Little Rock, Della Mae played an active role in the community. She was a member of the Junior League, Board member of the Little Rock Symphony and was a founding member of ''The Tatered Seeds'' part of the Garden Club. They finally settled in Batesville where they raised their two young sons, George Jr. and Damon.
In Batesville she was a member of Collector's Club, Investment Club, past President of Chapter BQ of PEO. She also served as chairman of the Planning Commission for the city as well as working diligently towards the preservation of the Pioneer Cemetery in Batesville. She cherished her Wednesday Bridge Club and was a long-standing member of First United Methodist Church. She dearly loved the many friendships that were formed over the years.
Her love of family was above all most important.
In addition to her parents, Della Mae was preceded in death by Mr. Al M. Harris and infant daughter, Della Katherine.
Survivors include her husband of 65 years, George L. Dortch; children, George Dortch Jr. and his wife, Chandler of Rolla, Missouri, Damon Dortch and his wife, Diane of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandson, Steele Dortch and his wife, Leah of Van Buren, Arkansas; sister, Kate Cooke of Batesville; many nieces and nephews; Georgette Sims, who was like a daughter to her; and most especially Renee Denton, who walked through this journey with both Della Mae and George, she truly was their special angel.
The family would like to thank all the staff and nurses of Arkansas Hospice; caregivers, Deanie Bishop and Tonya Miles for the love, care and compassion they showed Della Mae and the family as a whole.
Memorials may be made in her memory to First United Methodist Church, 615 East Main St, Batesville, AR 72501.
Dear Family, especially to Kate Cooke,
Kate, I am so sorry to learn of Della Mae's recent passing. I have the fondest memories of growing up on College Street and you and Della Mae on Main Street. My sister, Ellen Faye, would play with you both those many, many years ago. How the time gets away from us. Remembering you and your family in this time of loss and grief in my thoughts and prayers.
An old friend,
Robert Ford Jr. and Family
Mrs. Dortch was a true treasure. My thoughts are with Mr. Dortch, George & Chandler, Damon & Diane, and the rest of the family.
Sorry for your loss
With sincere sympathy
Sue Campbell
We’re thinking of you and you are in our prayers. Della Mae was a sweet lady.
Jim & Brenda Terral
Della was a precious neighbor and friend. I will miss her smiling face. Love to George and the boys.
Such a sweet lady, a dear friend. Prayers for comfort to the family.
Though I knew her as a child, I was fortunate enough to get to know Della Mae better as an adult in this past decade. She was always a very kind and thoughtful lady. I know she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. I and my family send our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Uncle George and their sons, George, Jr. and Damon.
Della Mae was a sweet friend. I will miss her.
Della Mae was a precious lady and well thought of by all. She will be greatly missed.
Eleanor Royer
A sweet lady that loved the study of God's Word. We enjoyed seeing each other at the Joy of Living Bible Study for many years. Love and praying the Lord give you comfort and peace as only He can!
My thoughts and prayers are with you, George and the entire family. Truly enjoyed working with Della Mae in several organizations including the Jr. Auxiliary. She was always a joy to work with and when she came to my shop, I was delighted. She will be missed by all of our community....and thankful we had the opportunity to know her. May Our Lord hold you near and comfort you.....
So thankful to have known Della Mae. Such a lovely, gracious, kind lady! She will be greatly missed.
Della Mae was on our planning committee to start Old Independence Regional Museum and served for 2 years on it as we learned how to start a museum from scratch. She and her sister Kate donated money toward hiring a development consultant at that time. She enjoyed history and certainly helped preserve it. I pray blessings on her family at this time of parting.
Della Mae was a lovely person and a sweet friend. I have wonderful memories of her. Love to George and family.
Lots of love to you all.
So sorry for your loss. Such great memories of our times together in Scott. Loved Della Mae and her kind spirit she shared with all.
Peaceâ¤ï¸
Saddened to read of Della Mae’s death. Della Mae and George were best of neighbors to the Highsmiths during Katy and Fuller’s lives. Thoughts and prayers with the family.
Della Mar was a dear friend.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort for all her family.
So sorry to read About Della May.she was a very sweet lady.
So sorry to read About Della May.she was a very sweet lady.
So sorry to read About Della May.she was a very sweet lady.
Our thoughts and prayers are with George and family through this most sad and difficult time. Della Mae was a true lady with a precious smile and gentle spirit.
I am sad to learn of the passing of Della Mae. She was such a precious lady....always with her sweet smile & so very kind every time I saw her. I pray for comfort and peace for each of you today & in the days to come.
In His love.....
My thoughts and prayers are with each of your families.
Sending love and comforting thoughts to George and the rest of the family. Della Mae will be greatly missed by many.
Jon & Jennifer Hidy
Della, I enjoyed PEO and bridge with you. Always a cheerful soul
How we mourn the loss of a great lady and friend. I remember sneaking out of town to shop in Little Rock with the girls, Della Mae and Kate. Sneak as they were not allowed over Ramsey Mountain together or Miss Mertie would get into a lather as they might get into an accident and Miss Mertie would lose her angels.
Speaking of angels, Della Mae is waiting with them, speaking with Miss Mertie and bragging on her George. May you Rest In Peace our friendâ¤ï¸ You will always be known as a kind and gentle friend.
Peggy and Walter Roettger
Della Mae was a very special cousin who always wore a smile. She was kind to all she met. She will be missed by her family and friends. Our sympathy goes out to all who loved her.
In our thoughts and prayers
Della Mae was a fine lady who contributed much to the betterment of our little town. Our prayers are with the family during this dark time. ðŸ™ðŸ¼
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of a great lady.
Helen and Pete
Sorry for your loss George.
Many prayers for you all during this time.
She was a dear person and a dear friend.
In our thoughts and prayers,
Phyllis, Alan, Paige, & Andrew Vickery
Della Mae was one of my dearest cousins. When I needed any help she was there for me. I remember she did the flowers for Nancy's wedding and loaned me things I needed. I have a very tender place for her in my heart.