Dorothy A. Ekeler

May 16, 1925 - August 14, 2012

Dorothy Ann Ekeler, 87, of Exeter, was gathered into the arms of her Lord on August 14, 2012 at the Exeter Care Center. Dorothy Ann Harre was born on May 16, 1925 at Exeter to Bernard and Marie (Ries) Harre, first of thirteen children and graduated from Exeter High School in 1943. Dorothy excelled in girls' athletics in high school, playing on the volleyball and softball teams and was voted the best female athlete her senior year. She was married to Leo Henry Ekeler on October 8, 1947, and they settled on a small farm northwest of Exeter. While keeping busy managing the household, Dorothy and Leo were blessed with four children: Marie (Mrs. Tim) Nicholas of Central City; Sylvia (Mrs. Rocky) Ruhl of Wayne; Paul (Jill Benorden) of Juniata and Glen (Jan Cudaback) of Creston, Iowa. Leo farmed with his brother Alfred until he and Dorothy retired from farming and moved to Exeter, where they kept a watchful eye on the post office corner. Dorothy was an avid game player, enjoying card games with her family and was an accomplished quilter, making several wonderful pieces which she donated to fund-raising efforts for the church. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years and five brothers, Gerald, Cy, Carryl, Clarence and Steve. Survivors include four sisters, Betty, Bernita, Mary, and Sally; three brothers, Jim, Tom, and Leon; four children; eight grandchildren, Jason, Matthew, Danielle, Regan, Reggie, Courtney, Angela, and Chelsea; and two great-grandchildren, Alizay and Nora. Funeral Mass for Dorothy A. Ekeler will be Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Exeter. Rosary will be Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter. Public visitation will begin Friday at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Exeter.