Dorothy Medlen

Funeral services for Dorothy M. Medlen, 86, Lawrence, KS will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday,  December 8, 2010 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.  Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence.  She died on Saturday, December 04, 2010 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

She was born on March 5, 1924 in Grenola, KS, the daughter of Abraham and Nina Mae Stiles Swisher.  She had lived in Lawrence since 1965, after moving here from Topeka, KS.

Dorothy was a graduate from Beauty College in Wichita, KS.

She was a hair dresser and had formerly owned the Vanity Beauty Shop in Lawrence for many years.  She also worked as the hairdresser for Warren-McElwain Mortuary from 1968 until 2002.

She was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary and the V.F. W. Auxiliary of Lawrence and the American Legion Auxiliary of Howard, KS.  She enjoyed cooking and spending time with her children and grandchildren. 

She was married to Ralph F. “Rowdy” Jones.  He preceded her in death on September 5, 1970.  She later married William A. “Bill” Medlen on January 15, 1972 in DeSoto, KS.  He preceded her in death on July 1, 2008.

Survivors include a daughter, Zoe Ann Kennedy and husband Dennis, of Lawrence, KS, two stepdaughters; Roxanne Medlen and husband Matt, of Pine, CO, Nancy Medlen and husband John of Austin, TX, a step-daughter-in-law, Cheryl Medlen, of Lawrence, four brothers: Duke Swisher, of Knob Noster, MO, Abraham Swisher, of Albuquerque, NM, Joe Swisher, of Wichita, KS and John Swisher, of Wichita, KS, seven grandchildren: Raegan Morton, Cameo Kennedy, Bill Medlen, Chris Medlen, Stacy Medlen, Marley Fay and Jake Fay and three, great grandchildren, Kaylee Ogden, Brecken Morton, and Daylen Medlen.  A step-son, Michael Medlen, preceded her in death.

The family suggests memorials in her name to the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Association and may be sent in care of the mortuary. 

The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the mortuary.
 

9 Condolences

  1. Maelyne Rider Duncan on December 6, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Hi Zoe Ann,

    Please accept my condolences on the passing of your Mother. Thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
    Maelyne Rider Duncan



  2. Louis Bia on December 6, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Dear ZoeAnn,

    I am sorry you and your family have lost Dorothy..I liked her alot the 3 years or so I hung out with her at the VFW..she was a hoot!
    Hugs to you.

    Love, Louis, Debra and Wanda



  3. Connie (Jacobs) Kesinger on December 6, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Nancy,
    My deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.



  4. Susan (North) Reed on December 6, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Zoe Ann, I’m so very sorry to hear about your Mom. I know it’s been a long, tough road for her. She’s in a really good place now! You know I’m there with you in spirit, dear friend!! Be at peace…

    Love,
    Susan Reed



  5. Dee Plamann Harvey on December 6, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Zoe Ann, We were so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a dear friend to all of us. Know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family.

    Dee Plamann Harvey
    Margie Plamann
    Cyndi Basel
    and families



  6. Jeff Lloyd on December 7, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Zoe Ann, we are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Our prayers go out to you and your family. Your friends at Hallmark are thinking about you.



  7. Jeff Jones on December 8, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Zoe, Nancy, Roxanne: Barb and I send our condolences. We wish the best for you and your families. I was glad to hear that Jami was able to bring Aunt Lois to Lawrence. Sincere Sympathies, Jeff



  8. joseph m. swisher on May 29, 2021 at 5:44 pm

    sis is my aunt my dad is marion her older brother jack I am tommy I miss them all zoo ann we are cousins god bless you ! joseph marion is my name but they all called me tommy



  9. Gretchen Swisher on December 22, 2024 at 3:44 pm

    Sis& My Dad Is Robert Eugene Swisher1Of Her Brothers & My Step-Father Francis Lawrence SwisherOne Of Her Brothers & I , Gretchen Rose SwisherWhom Lives In Washington, DC[Since Getting Out of The Army1974After Serving3Yrs/Then Joined The USAR 1974-1994 & Worked In US Treasury1974-1981/VAMC1981-2024]. Prior To Getting Injured On My Job At The .
    NOTE: I Use To Live At Longfellow Apts/Then Moved To Visionary Square AptsTo A Senior Independe
    nt Living Apt Bldg, DC.

    I Miss U Aunt Dorothy. You ARe/Were A HArd Working Soul, Took Care Of Your Husband Your A Wonderful Mother/Wife/Sister/Daughter & Ossum Grandmother/Fantastic Aunt/A Great Parent. U Will Be Truly Missed: Miss Your Shiny/Sparkling Eyes, Beautiful Smile, Laugh, How U Treated Everyone Equally & Those U Just Met U Treated Them As PArt of Your Extended Family. U Will Be Truly Be Missed & Always In My Heart. You Had A Heart Of Gold-Loving/Compassionate/Caring/Understanding & A Friend For Life. LOVE U YESTERDAY_TODAY_TOMORROW/EVERY DAY I’m LIVING ON EARTH. Your Loving Niece, Gretchen Swisher



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