Dorothy Louise Bishop (Stark)

Dorothy Louise (Stark) Bishop of Independence, Missouri, returned to her heavenly home on December 30th, 2022. The Lord granted her 93 years of life. Dorothy was born on June 9th, 1929 to James and Letha Stark in Kansas City, Missouri. At 16 years old, Dorothy was working in a soda shop and pharmacy when she met her husband, Samuel Elbert Bishop. After dating for only 2 short months, they were married on July 26th, 1946, and enjoyed almost 66 well-lived years together. Dorothy and Samuel were blessed with two sons, Samuel Leonard Bishop and Charles Gordon Bishop. She was a stay-at-home mother to her sons and a proud housewife to her husband. When her sons entered high-school she became a school bus driver for the Independence School District. She moved from a bus driver to a position in the office, and after just a few years with the company she became the manager of the Pace School Bus Company (now known as The Independence School District Bus Company). She retired after 40 years of service.

Dorothy was a convert from the Baptist faith to the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was baptized shortly after marrying her husband and began a long and joyous life of service in the church. After a few years in the church, Dorothy and her husband ministered to the youth as Zion’s League assistant leaders at Eden Heights, where she also coached the youth group girls’ basketball team. Though busy with a full-time job, Dorothy enjoyed volunteering for the Laurel Club which provided meals and other forms of service at church conferences and for other organizations. At the time of her passing she was a member of the New Hope congregation.

Dorothy was an artistic person who loved taking classes in crafting, sewing, quilting, and doll-making. She was an avid sports enthusiast, whether she was watching sports or participating in them herself. She spent many years with her husband bowling on Independence Bowling Leagues. Dorothy also loved to travel. She spent many wonderful vacations with her husband and family. She also enjoyed the yearly trips to various places in the United States with her husband’s Army Division, the Blackhawks. And she is well-remembered for bringing her grandchildren souvenirs from such travels.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Elbert Bishop, her son Charles Gordon Bishop, her parents James and Letha, and her brothers Jim and Wayne Stark. She is survived by her son, Samuel L. Bishop and wife Linda; her three grandchildren, Samuel D. Bishop, Angela Fears and husband Brian, Paul Bishop and wife Shawna, as well as nine great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Special Ministries congregation 1706 S. Northern Blvd, Independence, MO. 64052, on Saturday, January 14th at 2:00 p.m.