Dolores Iva Lofton, aged 92, passed away on June 13, 2024, after more than a decade long battle with Parkinson’s. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength.
Dolores (Dee) was born in Keokuk, Iowa, on June 18, 1931, to Roy and Thelma (Waller) Rorabaugh. She graduated from Keokuk Senior High School in 1949, then attended The University of Iowa, where she was a member of the Scottish Highlanders, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1953, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education.
Dee met Richard Lofton in high school, where their love story began. They married on June 21, 1953, a marriage of 70 years that has served as a loving example for their children, Douglas (Barbara) Lofton of Greenwood, Indiana and Deanna (Mark) Long of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Preceded in death by her parents, Dee is survived by, in addition to her husband and two children, her brother Ed (Karen) Rorabaugh of Ft. Madison, grandchildren David (Lauren) Lofton, Leah (Aaron) McNeil, Benjamin Long, Anna Long, six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Dee was a “doer.” Supporting her community of Keokuk, Iowa, as well as the First Christian Church (FCC) in Keokuk, was a priority for Dee, and her love for the arts was at the forefront of her volunteerism. She was a board member for the Keokuk Concert Association, worked with the Keokuk Fine Arts Council as President and Secretary, and served as a member of that board for sixteen years. She spent many hours leading puppet and marionette-making workshops through the Keokuk Fine Arts Council, using her creations in many Keokuk community and church events. Her work with the Grand Theatre Corporation led to the successful, “Save the Grand Theater” campaign. She was a member of the Keokuk Community Chorus, was active in AAUW, and served as the 1992 Keokuk Area Hospital Board President.
Dee led a life of faith through action, as exemplified by her work with the church. She brought the best out in children, especially musically, and directed the children’s choirs as well as numerous junior/senior high musicals and plays. She was also a preschool teacher at FCC, sang in the church choir, and made ornate banners for church events. Dee served faithfully when called as the first woman elder at FCC, and, with Richard by her side, traveled to Vietnam on a mission trip with the Division of Overseas Ministries. In 2017, she and Richard were given the Harry T. Ice Award, the highest honor to be presented by the Christian Church Foundation (Disciples of Christ).
Dolores and Richard traveled most parts of the world and were blessed with many unique experiences. And, in her spare time, she baked a mean German chocolate cake and made the best gravy!
A celebration of life for Dolores will be held on June 17, 2024, at First Christian Church of Keokuk, with visitation from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and the service at 11:30 a.m., immediately followed by a luncheon at the church. Burial will be at the Keokuk National Cemetery. Dolores Lofton was a “doer” who has given us a legacy of loving service. May we honor her memory through our actions.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Keokuk First Christian Church or the Keokuk Community Foundation.
Condolences may be sent to:
Richard Lofton
Grand Living
325 Collins Rd. SE #340
Cedar Rapids IA 52403
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.
