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Dorothy Jane Wright Eberle, lovingly known as "Janey" passed away peacefully on August 14, 2024, at the remarkable age of 102. Born on February 18, 1922, in Bethany, Missouri, Dorothy Jane was the cherished daughter of Richard Thomas and D'Aurolyn (Hone) Wright. After the heartbreaking loss of her mother in infancy, she was lovingly nurtured by her grandparents, Lillie and Jimmy Hone, on their family farm near Knox City, Missouri.

Dorothy Jane's early years were filled with the simple joys of rural life, where she developed a deep love for animals, music, and the arts. Even as a child, her artistic talents shone brightly, and she quickly became known for her creativity and imagination, whether she was adding vibrant colors to radiators with melted crayons or playing the piano with extraordinary skill. Music was the heartbeat of her life, a gift she shared generously with her family, filling their home with beautiful melodies and joyous singing.

A proud graduate of Knox City High School, Dorothy Jane continued her education at Stephens College, where she further honed her artistic and literary talents. She embarked on a teaching career, made significant contributions to the war effort as a "Rosie the Riveter" in Chicago, and eventually found her true calling as a teacher in Elsberry, Missouri. It was here that she met the love of her life, George Eberle. They married on October 30, 1942, beginning a 36-year journey of love and partnership, during which they raised two beloved children, James and Elaine.

During World War II, while George served courageously overseas, Dorothy Jane displayed unwavering strength and grace, welcoming their first child, James Stuart, in the midst of a snowstorm in December 1944. After the war, the family moved between several Army bases before finally settling back in Missouri.

Dorothy Jane's resilience and resourcefulness were truly remarkable. Following George's untimely passing, she faced life's challenges with determination and creativity. She embarked on a variety of endeavors to support her family, from creating her own brand of face cream to working as a teacher's aide and becoming a successful real estate agent. Her entrepreneurial spirit was matched only by her warmth and ability to make everyone feel at home.

Dorothy Jane's home was a haven of love, filled with laughter, dogs and cats, music, and the delicious aromas of meals she prepared with effortless skill. Her legacy of kindness, creativity, and perseverance lives on in her children, grandchildren, and those fortunate enough to know her.

Dorothy Jane is survived by her children, James Eberle and Elaine (Eberle) McPherson and husband Steve; grandchildren, Michelle (Eberle) Bickhaus, Kelly Eberle, and Katie (McPherson) Segler; great-grandchildren, Prudence Bickhaus Martin, Madeline Bickhaus Vu, and D'Aurolyn Bickhaus; and great-great-grandchildren Stella Jane Heberlein and Lila Vu. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George, her parents, numerous aunts and loved ones, and her great-grandson, Joshua Eberle.

A celebration of Dorothy Jane's life will be held on Sunday, August 18th, at Hudson Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, Missouri, with visitation from 12:00-2:00 and a service at 2:00. Burial will follow at Knox City Cemetery, where family and friends will gather to honor the extraordinary life of a woman who touched so many with her talents, love, and indomitable spirit.

Memorials are suggested to the Adair County Humane Society in Kirksville, MO.   Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, Mo 63537.