August 9, 1934 – June 9, 2025
Dorothy Whitfield, of Broken Arrow, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the age of 90.
Born on August 9, 1934, in Henryetta, Dorothy was the cherished daughter of Tom and Effie (Dickey) Rutherford. She was a proud graduate of St. Michael’s High School in Henryetta.
At the age of 18, Dorothy married the love of her life, Don Whitfield, in San Diego, while he was stationed there for military training. Their humble honeymoon was spent with the last $250 Don had to his name, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with devotion and simple joys. They were married 72 years.
Dorothy dedicated many years to working in retail, mostly at Walmart in the jewelry department. It was not the job she valued itself, but the relationships she formed and interactions she had with many people over the years In her youth, Dorothy delighted in spending time at her grandparents’ milk farm – a place that filled her with joy and wonder. As life went on, she embraced many interests, including playing bridge, painting and running a curio store alongside her husband. One of her greatest treasures was the 1964 Mustang she and Don proudly purchased brand new – a car she spoke of often with fondness.
Above all, Dorothy was a devoted mother to her three children: Mark, Phillip and Becky. Her family was the heart of her world.
Dorothy will always be remembered by her grandchildren, nieces and nephews as Mum-Dorothy.
She was preceded in death by her beloved mother Effie Rutherford, father Tom Rutherford, sons Mark and Phillip, Sister June Nickle, Brother-in-law Aubrey (Buzzy) Nickle, Brother-in-law Jim Ramage, Sister-in-law Letha Rutherford, Sister- in-law Judith Whitfield VanZant and Nephew David Ramage.
Dorothy’s memory will forever be cherished by her husband Don Whitfield, daughter Becky with husband Jim Hays, her sister, Shirley Ramage, Niece Debi with husband Mark Rowland, Nephew Rob Ramage with wife Beth and her brother Sonny Rutherford with Nieces Bennie, Yvonne and BethAnn, Niece Vicki Mann, Nephew David Mann with wife Bev, Nephew Jeffery Mann and Niece Alison Chapin with husband Andy, Nephew Denny Nickle with wife Phyllis and their children Daniel and Carmen and her grandchildren: Mark with wife Sandra and great grandchildren Nicole, Chase, Chance and Logan, Matthew with wife Jen and great grandchild Dylan, Brady with wife Kristin and great granddaughters Natalie, Kate and Ellie, Phillip with wife Katie and great grandchildren Will, Bella, Madeline and Abigail and Kevin with wife Nikki and great granddaughters Kayla and Kenzie, along with many other beloved family members and a host of dear friends.
A funeral Mass celebrating Dorothy’s life will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church in Broken Arrow.
Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Tulsa Funeral Service & Cremation Care, 5757 S. Memorial Dr. in Tulsa. Family and friends are invited to share memories, expressions of sympathy and words of comfort online at www. schaudtfuneralservice. com.
