Dorothy Reeder

Dorothy Marie (Zellers) Reeder, 88, of Burlingame, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

She was born February 8, 1938, in Purdy, Missouri, the daughter of William Henry and Mattie E. “Dessie” (Terry) Zellers. She was a graduate of Purdy High School.

Dorothy married Paul Henry Reeder on July 1, 1959, in Miami, Oklahoma. He preceded her in death on August 25, 2004.

Survivors include two children, Deanna Peer of Burlingame, KS, and John Reeder of Topeka, KS; five grandchildren, Amy (Michael) Kaifes of Pleasant Hill, MO, Christi (Robert) Roberts, Patrisha (Evan) Hammond, Jason (Makayla) Peer, and Joseph (Melody) Peer, all of Burlingame, KS; twelve great‑grandchildren and five great‑great‑grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William “Bill” Zellers and Mattie “Dessie” Zellers; and her siblings, Donald Zellers, Edward Zellers, Nole “Howard” Smith, and Wilber Lee Smith.

Dorothy was employed by Woolworth’s until 1997 and later worked at Coyote Canyon in Topeka, KS, until she retired in 2010.

Dorothy loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed baking, gardening, and watching the birds that visited her yard. Her favorite was the bright red cardinal, a bird she always believed carried special meaning. Dorothy often said that when a cardinal appears, it is a gentle reminder that a loved one is near. Seeing one brought her comfort, joy, and a sense of connection to those she held close in her heart. Her warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Honoring her wishes, cremation is planned. No services are scheduled at this time. Dove Cremations & Funerals, Southwest Chapel in Topeka, Kansas, is assisting the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging (ECKAAA)/Meals on Wheels and may be sent electronically at https://eckaaa.org/ or mailed to 2134 SW Westport Dr, Topeka, KS 66614.

If flowers or plants are wished to be sent, they may be delivered to Deanna Peer, 224 E. Seward Ave., Burlingame, KS 66413.