Dorothy Evelyn Devaney

Dorothy Evelyn Devaney, 97, of Weatherby Lake, MO passed away peacefully on September 21, 2023 surrounded by her family. 

Born in Picher, OK to Charles and Alberta Ross, Dorothy was the oldest of three children, having a brother, Robert (Sonny), and a sister, Helen. 

After moving to Kansas City in the early 1930s, Dorothy and her family made the West Side home. She met many friends whom she remained close to throughout her life. While watching a baseball game in their neighborhood, she met her husband, John (Jack) Devaney. They welcomed two sons, Jerry Michael and Gregory David, and built a life together at Weatherby Lake. 

While working as a seamstress in the garment district in Kansas City, she was the ILGWU President, attending conventions and representing her fellow co-workers. She was an active member of St. Therese Catholic Church in Parkville, MO, serving on the Alter Society. Later in her life, she, and her big green truck could be found at the YMCA in Parkville, walking laps and exercising in group fitness classes. You may also have seen her at the local grocery stores as a "demo lady" wearing a colorful badge reading "Grandma Shorty". 

Although she was less than 5 feet tall, she was mighty! What she lacked in size, she made up for in orneriness. Dorothy never ran out of jokes and was always making conversation. She could put a smile on anyone's face and her personality would light up a room. 

Dorothy will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but we know she is making a name for herself in Heaven. 

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Alberta, her siblings, Sonny and Helen, her husband, Jack, and her son, Jerry. 

She is survived by her son, Greg Devaney (Kathy) of Excelsior Springs, MO, grandchildren Charlene Craig (Will), Scott Devaney, Madison Neff (Daniel), and Collin Devaney (Jenny). She had eight great-grandchildren, Cory, Kyle, Leah, Meadow, Danica, Raleigh, Ainsley, and Cora, and one great-great-grandchild, Aurora, and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind many friends and neighbors whom she had come to know as family over the years. 

A visitation will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church in Parkville, MO on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Rosary and Mass at 12:00 p.m.

In Lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you honor Dorothy and her legacy by performing a random act of kindness, tell someone a joke, or simply make someone smile.