Dorothy Margaret (Jokel) Eaves

Dorothy Margaret (Jokel) Eaves, 95, passed away, Feb. 20, 2023, at Nevada Regional Hospital. She was the youngest daughter of Walter Christ Jokel and Zuma Irene (Bates) Jokel. Dorothy was born at home in rural Walker on Jan. 29, 1928. Dorothy attended both Walker and El Dorado Springs schools, graduating from El Dorado Springs in 1946.
Dorothy moved to Kansas City and worked at Lake City ammunition plant during the Korean War. She married Harry Eaves in 1954 and moved to Fairbanks, AK, because Harry had joined the Air Force. They moved many times with the military, and Dorothy told many stories of their travels. To this union, they had two daughters, Bonnie Jean and Karen Yvonne. They divorced in 1963, and Dorothy and girls moved back to Dederick, where she raised her daughters on her own. Dorothy worked many years at the shoe factory until it closed. She then worked at the shirt factory, then Hagles, and finally Nelle Donne factory.
Dorothy was an avid gardener and would offer advice on gardening and freely give away produce to friends and family. Dorothy was an excellent seamstress, making many of her daughters’ clothes, most of her own clothes, and later clothing for her sons-in-law and grandchildren. Dorothy, once she slowed down, crocheted beautiful doilies for family and anyone who requested one or two. Dorothy could fix most things mechanical, often helping her neighbor by fixing her riding lawn mower and tiller. Dorothy had a big heart and would help anyone in need.
Dorothy starred in a TV commercial for Crest toothpaste when she was in her 60s!
Dorothy was a member of the Eastern Star and Dederick Christian Church and then became a member of Park Street Christian Church where she attended many years until her death. While being a church member of Park Street, Dorothy became famous for her homemade vegetable soup and especially her lemon pies.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Zuma Jokel, and both sisters, Selma (Jokel) Williams and Mary Jokel.
Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Jean Miller – Canon City, CO, and Karen Yvonne and her husband, Alan Bridges, – Sorrento, FL; six grandchildren: Robert Snowden, Erica and Ryan Wilson and family, Mathew Snowden, Kirsten and Paul McFall and family, Justin and Crystal Bridges, Christi and Joey Campbell and family; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services for Dorothy Eaves were held Sunday, Feb. 26, at Park Street Christian Church, El Dorado Springs with Pastor Steve Altheide officiating.
Grandson, Justin Bridges, accompanied by Peggy Carter, sang “How Great Thou Art,” and granddaughter, Erica Wilson spoke about her grandmother.
Interment followed in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Walker under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were: Robert Snowden, Ryan Wilson, Paul McFall, Justin Bridges, Joey Campbell and Scott Watkins.
Online condolences may be left at: www.blandhackleman.com.