Dorothy Evelyn Rupp

Dorothy Evelyn Rupp, age 94, of Kansas City, Missouri, and formerly of Chillicothe, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, at Riverstone Retirement Community.
Born July 7, 1931, to Buford and Vada Cleo (Merrill) Ware, Dorothy was raised in Chillicothe and graduated from Chillicothe High School, where she was recognized for her artistic talent. She continued her education at Kirksville University.
Dorothy began her professional career at Southwestern Bell. In 1955, she married Paul L. Rupp, and together they built a loving home filled with laughter, resilience, mutual support and lots of children. Their partnership was a source of strength for Dorothy, especially during times of loss.
After the passing of her husband and son, Dorothy demonstrated remarkable courage and determination. She stepped into the role of CEO at Rupp Automotive, leading the company with integrity and vision. Her leadership not only sustained the business but also inspired those around her. Later, Dorothy joined Carr & Assessment as a co-owner, where she continued to make a positive impact until her retirement.
Throughout her life, Dorothy was deeply committed to her family, friends, and community. She was known for her generosity and her unwavering faith. Dorothy was an elegant and refined individual. She was gentle, kind, and took great pride in the ones she loved. She often became a second mother to many. She was a vibrant, classy lady who lived through tragedy to be the solid matriarch of her family. She was a storied woman and honorable vintage. Known for her impeccable taste, Dorothy consistently demonstrated thoughtfulness and generosity. She may not have given you the shirt off her back, but she would go out and buy you one.
She was survived by two sons, Peter Rupp (Vicki) of Overland Park, Kansas, and Stephen Rupp (Robin) of Kansas City, Missouri; four daughters, Vickie Sandbothe (Jim) of Farmington, New Mexico, Ann Miller (Mark) of Overland Park, Kansas, Janet Switzer (Douglas) of Kansas City, Missouri, and Linda Scorzo (Giovanni) of Scottsdale, Arizona, sixteen grandchildren, Natalie Robbins (Will), Megan Sandbothe, Paul Miller (Amy), Matthew Miller (Amanda), Jason Switzer (Megan), Steven Switzer (Emily), Nate Switzer, Emily Woodson (Ryan), Luke Rupp, Rachel Rupp, Lauren Rupp, Hailey Rupp, Wesley Rupp, Francesca Scorzo, Gian Paul Scorzo and Angelino Scorzo; and ten great-grandchildren, Freya Robbins, Marissa Miller, Ella Miller, Noah Miller, Charlee Miller, Jack Miller, James Miller, Madelyn Switzer, James Switzer, Colt Switzer and Baby Woodson (due in April).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Buford and Vada Cleo (Merrill); husband, Paul Rupp, Jr.; son, Paul Rupp III; two sisters, Helen Deem and Kathryn Brown, and a dear sister-in-law, Rose Lee Davis.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The graveside service will follow immediately at St. Columban’s Catholic Cemetery in Chillicothe, Missouri. Because of travel considerations, we are unable to offer extended visitation after the services. The family invites attendees to join them for a luncheon at Blackwater, located at 612 1st Street, Chillicothe, Missouri, at 12:30 p.m., or at "A Celebration of Life" hosted at Piropos Restaurant, 4141 N Mulberry Dr, Kansas City, Missouri, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to NPH USA (supports orphaned and abandoned Children) and/or Salvation Army, and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, PO Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri, 64601. Online condolences may be made to www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.