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Dorothy Lee Halfmann Button of Frelsburg, Texas passed away Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. She was born on July 29, 1940 in Frelsburg, Texas to Leo Robert Halfmann and Maybell Virginia Hermsdorfer Halfmann.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Richard Donald Button, her son Eugene Robert Button and both of her parents.
She is survived by her son Richard Allen Button and wife Kelly; daughter Cheryl Button Gold; daughter-in-law Jennifer Button; sisters Jean Ellis, Leona Marshall, and Patsy Henderson (husband Steed Henderson); grandchildren Brittany Button, Christopher Button, Scarlett Ann Button and Riley Red Button.
Dorothy was a graduate of Columbus High School and Nursing School. After nursing school, she joined the U.S. Air Force. Her first assignment was Westover Air Force Base in Springfield, Massachusetts. She met Richard D. Button and married in Houston, Texas. She continued her military tour and received an honorable discharge in 1964.
She accompanied her husband in his assignments and worked as a RN in many Air Force bases. At Castle AFB, she was awarded Civil Service Employee of the year. Also, at Castle AFB, she attended Chapman University and graduated with a B.S. in Science. After her husband retired from the military, he went to work at NASA. Dorothy went to work at Public Health Corps as charge nurse in the emergency room. Years later, the Button family moved back to Dorothy’s hometown and went to work at Smith Industries. After Smith Industries closed, she worked at Trinity Hospital in Brenham for 25 years. Dorothy retired after 50 years of devoting her life as a nurse.
During retirement, Dorothy and her husband raised cattle and did extensive traveling. She became involved with local organizations. She served as Vice President of Friends of Zimmerscheidt Historic School, and attended St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Frelsburg, Texas. She was active in Altar Society, along with serving as Secretary for two years. She helped with Catholicism classes, was a member of the choir at church and belonged to the German Society. Dorothy truly loved nursing and her family.
Visitation was Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas. A parish prayer service and rosary followed at 7 p.m.
Funeral service was Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Frelsburg with Fr. Bob Knippenberg officiating. Visitation at church was from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Burial was in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Frelsburg.
Pallbearers were Cindy Jackson, Vikki Didonato, Cheryl Gold, Brittany Button, Leona Marshall and Kelly Button.
Memorials may be given to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 1031 Church Ln., New Ulm, TX 78950.
Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.
