Dorothy Kathryn Herrold, 98, of Greencastle, passed away on Wednesday July 21, 2015, at Asbury Towers in Greencastle, IN.
Dorothy was born on October 24, 1916 in Terre Haute, IN to Jesse D. and Lela (Barnett) McComb.
Dorothy graduated from Wiley High School in Terre Haute in 1933 and from Indiana State University in 1937 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music and English. Dorothy came to Westville in 1937 to teach elementary and high school music as well as high school English grammar and literature until her marriage in 1942. Later, she taught for three years at Central Junior High School and three years at Park Elementary in La Porte. She retired from teaching in 1963.
On June 7, 1942, she married Glen Alden Herrold who preceded her in death on December 28, 1966. Surviving are her beloved children, Richard Glen (Julianna) Herrold and Dr. Robert Earl (Anne) Herrold; two grandsons, Philip Herrold and Dr. Joseph (Dr. Stephanie) Herrold; one granddaughter, Dr. Amy (Dr. John McDade) Herrold-McDade; sister, Elizabeth Calvert; and five nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents; her husband; and sister, Helen Stecker.
Following the death of her husband, she resumed her musical career as a professional pianist specializing in Ragtime Piano Music. She became the first three-time championship title holder in competition at The National Old-Time Piano Players Contest in Champaign, IL in 1977,1978, and 1979. She appeared on National Television on NBC-TV with Tom Snyder, performed on several radio stations, on two Caribbean cruise ships, and the "Love Boat" in Alaska, in addition to engagements throughout 41 states.
Dorothy was a member of the First United Methodist Church; a thirty-five year member of the American Federation of Musicians; a member/representative of the American Federation of Teachers; 10 year member of the Swanson Activity Center for Senior Adults; a member of the La Porte County Republican Women's Club where she was selected "Woman of the Year". She was awarded the Sagamores of the Wabash by Governor Robert Orr in 1986 and she served as a Third District Delegate to three Republican National Conventions: in Dallas, TX, New Orleans, LA, and San Diego, CA, as well as two Presidential Inaugurations in Washington D.C. Most recently, she became a Lions Club member. She was a charter member of The Hoosier Ragtime Society and The Classical Ragtime Society, both in Indianapolis, and a fifty-five year member of The Farm Bureau of Indiana. Mrs. Herrold served on every primary and every general election board without interruption for 52 years.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Pinhook Church on Saturday,July 25, 2015, at 12PM Burial will follow at Pinhook Cemetery. A time of visitation will take place from 11AM till the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Employee Gift Fund at Asbury Towers Retirement Community, Inc 102 West Poplar St. Greencastle, IN. 46135 and First United Methodist Church of LaPorte
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.