Dorothy J. Rages

Dorothy Joann Rages, 78, of Florence, MO, passed away Saturday, April 6, 2024 at her home following a battle with cancer. She was born April 29, 1945 in Sedalia, MO, daughter of Leo Thomas and Mildred Alice (Stevens) Leiter.
 
Joann attended Striped College School in Sedalia through the eighth grade and then graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in 1963.  She then attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO where she graduated in 1966 with a degree in Vocational Home Economics.
 
On November 25, 1966, she married Robert Stanley Rages at Goodwill Chapel Methodist Church in Sedalia.  They were blessed with a happy marriage until Robert’s death in 2023.  She enthusiastically supported Robert’s farming operation throughout their married years while being devoted to homemaking and the care of her family.  She also taught Home Economics at Tipton High School from 1966 to 1972.  
 
Her four sons survive: Nathan Rages (Lorri) of Columbia, MO, Mark Rages (Vivara) of Bettendorf, IA, Brian Rages (Rebekah) of St Louis, MO, and Chris Rages (Angela) of Sedalia, MO. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren: Julia Rages, Hudson Rages, Jacob Rages (Emma), Stanley Rages, Melody Rages, Will Rages, Michael Rages, Martyn Rages, Abel Rages, Audrey Rages, and Rachel Rages.  Also surviving are five siblings: Betty Green, Tom Leiter, Barbara Kubelka, Virginia Breshears (John), and Charles Leiter (Mona) and many beloved nieces and nephews.
 
In 1972 Joann was wonderfully born again by the grace of God and faithfully served the Lord Jesus for the rest of her days.  She was a founding member and piano player at Faith Fellowship in Sedalia.  Her other interests included reading, gardening, cooking, sewing, and needle crafts.  She will be greatly missed by the many whom she loved: her family, church, neighbors, and friends.  They will most remember her cheerful demeanor, kindness to all, comfortable hospitality, and vibrant Christian faith.  
 
Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 12, 2024 at Heckart Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the funeral home.
Casket bearers will be grandsons: Hudson Rages, Jacob Rages, Stanley Rages, Will Rages, Michael Rages, and Martyn Rages.  Burial will be in Smithton Cemetery following the funeral service.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Faith Fellowship Building Fund in the care of Heckart Funeral Home.