Dorothy Coder 1928-2020
Dorothy Lee Coder, 92, of Topeka, passed away Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, at Presbyterian Manor in Topeka.
She was born Sept. 2, 1928, in Havensville, the daughter of Wallace and Lilah (Kroth) Huffman.
Dorothy graduated salutatorian from Havensville High School in 1946. She taught at Lone Tree School, south of Havensville, and fourth grade and music in Westmoreland. She then taught second grade at Powhattan and two country Brown County schools. In 1951 she moved to Topeka and she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Washburn University. She student-taught at Gage and Washburn Rural high schools, thus being certified to teach in elementary and secondary schools.
In 1953, she taught home economics and English at Hamlin High School in Brown County. She left teaching to mother Tim, Terry and Tammy, but returned to teach third grade at Pleasant Hill School in the Seaman District in 1965. She taught there for 25 years and was named “Teacher Of The Year” three times for her school and once for the entire district.
She earned her master’s degree in education from Washburn University during this time. After retiring, she was rehired by Seaman Schools to teach at-risk pupils for eight more years. In addition, she tutored dozens of students, taught fire safety in Seaman schools for the Soldier Township Fire Department and did substitute teaching until age 77.
Dorothy was a dynamic, vivacious woman. In addition to being a loving wife, mother and grandmother, she was a beloved and impactful teacher. Education and people were her passions. She was an incredible hostess, mentor, talented seamstress and champion for children. She loved fiercely and did not know a stranger.
She was a member of Elmont United Methodist Church, Delta Kappa Gamma and OES.
Dorothy married the Rev. James Floyd Coder on June 6, 1948, in Havensville. He preceded her in death on Oct. 17, 2017, after more than 69 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Fannie Talbott; and three brothers, Wallace, Francis and Richard Huffman.
Survivors include two sons, Tim Coder (Marlene) of Hoyt and Terry Coder of Panama, Neb.; daughter Tamara Coder Mikinski (Steven) of Linwood; seven grandchildren, Scott (Ali) Hanna, Jennifer (Rodney) McCarter, James (Deirdre) Coder, Chris Coder, Madeleine Mikinski, Mitchell Mikinski and Sarah (Ryan) Hart; and eight great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Ashlyn, Kyler, Kolbi, Evelyn, Breanne, Eva and Aaron.
Private graveside services will be held at Wamego City Cemetery in Wamego. Dorothy will lie in state at Mercer Funeral Home until 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21.
Memorials are suggested to Elmont UMC or Mobility Worldwide Kansas, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS, 66436. Due to the critical situation we all are in, please remember the families during this difficult time and consider sending a card of condolence or posting on our website, www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
By Leona Coder
(Dorothy’s mother-in-law)
(PAID OBITUARY)
