Dorothy L. Lindley, a cherished member of the Chillicothe, Missouri community, passed away peacefully at Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe, Missouri on Sunday, March 29, 2026. She was born on March 7, 1928 in Harrisonville, Missouri. Dorothy was a beloved daughter of John Harold Kohler and Dora Isabelle (Beckerdite) Kohler. Dorothy graduated from Harrisonville High School in 1947 and was known for her industrious spirit and community involvement. On April 24, 1949, she married Billy "Jack" Lindley in Harrisonville, Missouri. He preceded her in death on October 25, 2017.

Dorothy was a co-owner of Lindley Funeral Home in Chillicothe, Missouri, where she dedicated many years to serving others with compassion and care. On June 1, 1959, Mrs. Earl Keeney sold her funeral business in Chillicothe, Missouri to Jack and Dorothy Lindley, where they made their home in the upstairs apartment of the funeral home for seventeen years. In expanding the funeral business, Jack and Dorothy acquired Robertson Funeral Homes at Laredo and Chula, Missouri, in 1965 and the Austin Funeral Homes at Hale and Tina, Missouri in 1968.

Dorothy was deeply involved in a variety of organizations that highlighted her commitment to community and friendship. She was an active member of PEO, Red Hatters, Busy Belles, Sorosis, the Livingston County Women's Democratic Club, D.A.R., and the Chillicothe Antique Club. She was a member of The First Christian Church since 1959 and was an active participant of the Fellowship Sunday School Class and the Christian Women’s Fellowship. She was also a Mary Kay consultant, bringing joy and confidence to many.

Dorothy is survived by her loving children: Rebecca Ransdell of Kansas City, Missouri; J. Scott Lindley and wife Deborah of Chillicothe, Missouri; Bruce Lindley and wife Susan of Chillicothe, Missouri; and Timothy Lindley and wife Toni of Kansas City, Missouri. Her legacy continues through her ten grandchildren: Michael Ransdell and wife Melissa of Kansas City, Missouri; Christopher Lindley and Vanessa Rocha of Kansas City, Missouri; Candace Daly and husband Chris of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; Carter Lindley of Chicago, Illinois; Connor Lindley and wife Stephanie of Kansas City, Missouri; Mathew Lindley and wife Jennifer of Chillicothe, Missouri; Jonathan Lindley and wife Ashley of Milwaukee Wisconsin; Thomas Lavi and wife Sormeh of Fremont, California; Taylor Lindley and Fiance' Dillon Kramer of Kansas City, Missouri; and Trent Lindley of Kansas City, Missouri. Dorothy was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Codi and Britton Ransdell of Kansas City, Missouri; Layla, Julian, and Jones Daly of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; Murphy Jean Lindley of Kansas City, Missouri; Scarlett and Jack Lindley of Chillicothe, Missouri and Nasim Lavi of Fremont, California.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, five brothers; Guy, Donald, Neal, Johnnie, and Eugene Kohler and her sister, Hazel Clegg.

Funeral services will be held at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 11:00 am. A scheduled visitation will be held at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Friends may sign the register book on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 8:00 am until 7:00 pm at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri. Burial will be held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Chillicothe, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.