Dorothy L Drinkwater

Dorothy L. Drinkwater, 98, Lee’s Summit, MO, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at her home surrounded by her children. She will be remembered by family and friends during services held at the Lee’s Summit Christian Church on Monday, January 12, 2026. Services at the church will include Visitation from 12:00-2:00pm, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00pm. Family graveside services and burial will be at 11:30am Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at the Ash Grove Cemetery in Ash Grove, MO.

Dorothy was born on July 22, 1927 to John L. and Dorothy E. Thomas in Kansas City, MO, and lived most of her life in the Kansas City area. She was a graduate of Northeast High School and attended William Jewell College in Liberty, MO. She was a member of the Lee’s Summit Christian Church, and previously had been a long-time member of the Independence Boulevard Christian Church in Kansas City, MO., where she taught Sunday School and led Bible studies and Women’s Ministries.

On February 5, 1954 Dorothy married Donald W. Drinkwater and they shared life together for more than 63 years, until Don went home to heaven on May 24, 2017. They were blessed with three children: Steve, Suzanne, and Kay Lee Drinkwater, and were active in their lives. She also was mom to Don’s children: Bill, Donna Lou, and Galen Drinkwater. In addition to teaching Sunday School and serving in various other church related ministries, Dorothy was active as a Girl Scout troop leader and very involved in the PTA and other organizations at the various schools their children attended. After her children were grown, Dorothy continued to be involved in various activities in her church and community. Her personal ministry to those around her was in being an encourager and prayer warrior. She faithfully and regularly would write notes and send cards to family, friends, neighbors and those who simply needed a word of hope and encouragement. It is likely that those who have known her over the years have had their lives touched by Dorothy’s teaching, serving, wisdom, encouragement, or friendship.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Don Drinkwater; by her parents, John L. and Dorothy E. Thomas, and by her brother, John E. Thomas; by her son-in-law Sam Cangelose; by her step-daughters Donna Lou House, and Galen Drinkwater; and by her step-grandson, Christopher House.

She is survived by her children: son, Steve Drinkwater of Lee’s Summit, MO; daughters, Suzanne (Welby) Jones of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Kay Lee Cangelose of Raytown, MO; and step-son Bill (Bami) Drinkwater of Independence, MO; and by nine grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.

Dorothy’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Harbor Hospice and employees for the loving and compassionate they provided to Dorothy and our family over the past 18 months. You became more than care-givers to her, she considered you friends. Thank you!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cancer Action or to the Lee’s Summit Christian Church as a memorial to Dorothy.