FRESNO, Calif. — Dorothy Wells Whittenberg,

age 102, of Fresno, Calif., formerly of Bella Vista, Ark., and Knoxville, Iowa, passed away quietly on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. She was born February 16, 1921, in Brownwood, Texas, to Crafton and Zora Wells.

After graduating high school in Hobbs, N.M., she returned to Brownwood, Texas, where she attended Howard Payne University, studying business and accounting. It was in Texas that she met Palmer (Whit) Whittenberg at Camp Bowie, The two married on April 6, 1942, shortly before he left to England to serve in Europe.

After the war, the two moved to Knoxville, Iowa, where they built a life full of prosperity, love, and friendship that carries on through the lives of their children Chuck and Suzan, their six grandchildren, and their 13 great-grandchildren. While Whit built his chiropractic practice, Dottie was an integral part of the Knoxville community, active in local organizations and an ever-present support in her children’s activities. At each youth golf tournament, Cub Scout meeting, or Little League game, you could be sure that Dottie would be there smiling, quietly but passionately cheering for those she cared for most.

A talented painter, pianist and organist, always beautifully dressed and pressed, Dottie’s own passions also included a lifelong devotion to P.E.O., weekly bridge gatherings with friends, and of course, golf.

In 1979, Dottie and Whit moved to Bella Vista, Ark., where they spent many afternoons enjoying their retirement on one of the seven golf courses. Dottie and Whit shared their contagious kindness and community spirit with their many new friends and lived happily until Whit’s death in 2007.

In 2008, Dottie moved to Fresno, Calif., to be near Suzan and her family. Here, too, she was adored by every caregiver, church deacon, and friendly face that graced her doorstep. Her family will remember her love of hamburgers and cookies, her bright pink lipstick to match her nature, and the many “blesses hearts” she extended to all who were lucky enough to know her.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023, at 10 a. m. at the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, 504 Memorial Drive, in Bella Vista, Ark. 72714. Interment will be at the Bella Vista Cemetery in the Columbarium. The family requests no flowers and any memorials or donations be sent to the Knoxville Public Library, attention Roslin Thompson, Library Director, 213 E. Montgomery Street, Knoxville 50138. Mark for the Dixie Cornell Gebhardt Park.