Dorothy Applonia Nolan

April 17, 2024

Dorothy Applonia Nolan, born June 30, 1929, in Tribune to Joseph A Bender and Matilda Billinger Bender, peacefully passed away on April 10, 2024, in Dighton at the age of 94. Dorothy was one of nine children. She was a member of the Red Hat Society.

Dorothy spent her formative years in Tribune where she married Ralph F. Nolan on June 30, 1947. Together, they raised six children: Lorraine, Daniel, Suzann, Jeffrey, Rodney, and Dale. Dorothy’s dedication extended beyond her family as she worked tirelessly on the farm while nurturing her children. Following her divorce, she relocated to Leoti. Dorothy then married Charlie Atkinson in Leoti on November 22, 1975. They made their home in Dighton and owned and operated Charlie’s body shop and a Kawasaki dealership. He passed away on January 12, 1991. Dorothy married Bob Heinz of Garden City on August 28, 1992. They moved to Pottsboro, Texas and lived on Lake Texoma. They ran Stripper Storage Units. Bob passed away April 6, 2012. Then Dorothy moved back to Dighton.

She is survived by five children: Daniel Nolan & Kris Escott of Faith, South Dakota; Suzann & Bill McWhirter of Dighton; Jeff and Kathy Nolan of Tribune; Rod and Dona Nolan of Garden City; Dale and Lesa Nolan, Tribune; her brother Larry and Ellie Bender of San Antonio, Texas; her sister Barbara Tripp of Las Vegas, Nevada; and her youngest brother James and Ruth Bender who reside in Wichita. Grandchildren are Tonya Shull, Carrie Vandiver, Justin Nolan, Josh Nolan, Chelsi Nolan-Santy, Dustin McWhirter, Abby Bencomo, Brooke Burrison, Katie Wecker, Miranda Nolan, Anson Nolan, Shantel Foster, Tanner Nolan, and Felisha Smith. She also has 21 great-grandkids and eight great-great grandkids.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Lorraine; and one grandson, Brando;, as well as three brothers: Joseph Bender, Joseph A. Bender, George Bender, and two sisters: Albina Bender and Arlene Bender.

Dorothy’s life was marked by her unwavering love for her family and her commitment to hard work. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. CT with family present. Public visitation will continue on April 19, 2024 from 9 am until 8 pm CT all at Boomhower Funeral Home in Dighton. 

A funeral service will be at 10:30 am CT Saturday April 20, 2024 at the First Christian Church in Dighton with Rev. Jennifer Bradford officiating. 

Burial will be in the Greeley County Cemetery in Tribune, Kansas Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. (MT). 

The family suggests memorial contributions to the JOY Center in care of Boomhower Funeral Home, P.O. Box 891, Dighton, KS 67839.