Dortha Lee (Smith) Begley

A Graveside services for Dortha Lee (Smith) Begley, 83, former Barnitz Creek area resident will be held 10:00 A.M., Friday, March 18, 2016 in the Arapaho Cemetery, officiated by Doyle Kinney and under the direction of the Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home. Dortha was born to George W. and Della (Maynard) Smith on August 3, 1932 at the Sunnyside Hospital in Butler, Oklahoma and passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2016 in the United Methodist Health Care Center in Clinton, Oklahoma. Dortha attended Arapaho Schools, graduating in 1950, and continue her education at Southwestern State College in Weatherford, graduating in 1954 with a degree in education. Her fist Jove was teaching music and English at Lake Valley, Oklahoma, and from their continued in Kansas, California, back Oklahoma, then Oregon, Colorado and finally returning t Kansas where she taught for the next 38 years. Dortha and William F. (Bill) Begley were married in Ulysses, KS on January 27, 1962. They were blessed with one child, Lois Ann. Dortha was an accomplished pianist, playing for church, groups and giving lessons until only a short time ago. Dortha was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, two sisters, Evelyn and Robina, three brothers, Glen, Chester, and Lawrence and four nieces and nephews. Survivors include one brother, Bob Smith and his wife, Nancy, of Clinton. Seven grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and host of friends.