Dorothy Katherine Knotts died early in the morning of Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at Henry County Memorial Hospital after several months of declining health. She was 99 years old.

Born April 25, 1917, in Stony Creek Township, the third of six children of James Duke and Evalena (Reece) Houser, she was a lifelong resident of Henry County. She grew up on farms near New Lisbon and Mooreland, and graduated from Mooreland High School in 1935. She moved to New Castle, where she spent the rest of her life, in 1941. On October 5, 1935, she married Mefford B. Knotts, and they were married 71 years before his death March 26, 2007.

Dorothy spent most of her life in her home, although she worked for a few years at Jeffries Bootery and the W. T. Grant Store. Although an excellent cook and extraordinary quilter, she was happiest working outdoors. She attended Temple Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters: Diane Hamm (husband James S.) of New Castle and Cathy Jo Kenemer of De Land, Fla.; a son-in-law, J. Michael Miller (wife Sue) of Paso Robles, Cal.; six grandchildren: Thomas Hamm (wife Mary Louise Reynolds) of Richmond; Duke Hamm (wife Cathy) of New Castle; Todd Miller of Seattle, Wash.; Jessica Nevitt (husband Darren) of Bloomington; Jennifer Kinnaman (husband John) of Anthem, Ariz.; and John B. Kenemer (wife Tasha) of De Land, Fla.; eight great-grandchildren: Benjamin Hamm (wife Emily) of Spiceland; Matt Hamm of Indianapolis; Paige and Lucas Nevitt of Bloomington; Mark and Megan Kinnaman of Anthem; and Caleb and Rachel Kenemer of De Land; one great-great-grandson, Simon Hamm of Spiceland; a sister-in-law, Betty Houser of New Castle; a brother-in-law, Marvin Luellen of Mooreland; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death also by a daughter, Penny Jane Miller, in 1999; a son-in-law, Michael T. Kenemer; three sisters; and two brothers.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service, New Castle with Pastor Rick Schoeff officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. Friday, January 20 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mooreland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Penny Jane Miller Fund through the Henry County Community Foundation. Condolences and memories of Dorothy may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com.

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