Dorothy Ferne Knutson

Dorothy Ferne Knutson, 86, of Odessa, Missouri passed away January 30, 2012 in Blue Springs, Missouri. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. Second St., Odessa, MO, 64076, (816) 633-5524. Dorothy was born on September 16, 1925 in Malta Bend, MO to Frank Edward and Mamie Elizabeth Grisham Hellums. She graduated from the Odessa High School. She was married to John Boone Graham and they later divorced. On November 2, 1961 she married Dale Knutson who preceded her in death on November 22, 2001. She retired from the Mary K. McQuerry Elementary School as a cafeteria cook. She had a love for motorcycle riding, cooking, gardening, sewing and spending time with family and friends. Survivors include six daughters Mary Lou Orr and husband Patrick of Pittsburg, KS; Marlis Morelock of Columbia, MO; Marilyn Patrick and husband Gil of Mexico, MO; Nita Blackaby and husband Larry of Centerview, MO; Linda Kling and husband Butch of Bremen, IN; Kathryn Sherrill and husband Joe of Manchester, TN; a daughter-in-law, Kim Penny of Odessa; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; two brothers, William (Bill) Hellums and wife Mary Lou of Odessa and John Hellums and wife Toni of Odessa; many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a son, John Eddie Graham; three brothers, Paul Hellums, Ralph Hellums and Frank Hellums, Jr.; and a sister, Bernice Anglen.