Dorothy M. Brake
Dorothy Brake, age 78, of Sullivan, MO passed away peacefully at her home, Wednesday, February 19, 2020 surrounded by her family.
Dorothy Mae Riggins was born October 4, 1941 in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of Andrew and Leora (Boyer) Riggins. She grew up and attended school in St. Louis. Dorothy was united in marriage to Lonnie N. Gambill in 1957. They spent the early part of their life in High Ridge before moving to their home in Sullivan in 1981. Dorothy and Lonnie later divorced. Dorothy was the ultimate caregiver. She worked as a CNA most of her life, including for both area nursing homes, Life Care Center of Sullivan and Meramec Nursing Center. Dorothy also spent time working as a Home Health Aide locally. In her later years, she worked as a cashier at Walmart, where she founded many relationships with customers and coworkers. In 1990, Dorothy married Jim Brake and they would enjoy nearly 25 years together. Dorothy and Jim enjoyed their time spent at various bluegrass music festivals. When Jim became ill, Dorothy was by his side providing special care. Jim, the love of her life, passed away in 2014.
Dorothy had a heart for animals and volunteered often at HALO Rescue Shelter in Sullivan. When she was younger, Dorothy was fond of float trips down the Meramac. She had a tremendous love for her grandchildren, including many accumulated “adopted” grandchildren she would claim as her own. Dorothy believed that family meant everything, so if you were a friend, you were considered family. She will be missed by many family and friends.
Dorothy is survived by her sons: Andy Gambill and his wife, Jackie of Cedar Hill, MO, Lonnie Gambill and his wife, Velma of Sullivan, Jimmy Isgriggs and his wife, Annette and John Jones, all of Sullivan; a sister, June Bruminger of Montgomery City, MO; ten grandchildren: Matt Gambill, Nikki Golden (and husband, Daniel), Dorothy Clarke, Theresa Rutledge, Matt Isgriggs (and wife, Tiffany), Jamie Isgriggs, Ronald Brake (and wife, Dana), Sabrina Brake, John Michael Jones (and wife, Jennifer) and Taneya Smith (and husband, Terry); numerous great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by two husbands, Lonnie N. Gambill and Jim Brake; her parents; and a daughter-in-law, Barb Jones.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dorothy’s memory to the HALO Animal Shelter of Sullivan, MO.
Services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Kenny Todd officiating. Burial will follow at Buffalo Cemetery, Sullivan.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan.
Condolences may be shared with Dorothy’s family online at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO.