Obituary of Dollie Evalyn Ainley

Dollie Evalyn Ainley, 87-year-old resident of Doniphan, MO, departed this life Thursday, September 2, 2021. She was born December 10, 1933 in Doniphan to the late Loyd and Frances Mae (Goss) Fugate. Dollie impacted the lives of others in many ways because she was a generous, loving, and caring person. She was a charter member and an active member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible School, and children’s mission groups, and was the church organist. She volunteered and served as a mentor at Doniphan R-I School making a difference in the lives of those she worked with. Dollie was beautiful inside and out. She was a plant and animal lover and avid birdwatcher. As a florist for 50 years, she designed beautiful arrangements that brought smiles and joy to both the receiver and giver. Dollie was an excellent cook. She took joy in preparing her delicious food for family and friends. Some of the most frequently requested items included homemade breads, freezer strawberry jam, cookie bars, and “Little Dollies” (press) cookies, and she would generously share her recipes. Dollie even made the bread for the Lord’s Supper at the church. Dollie was an avid reader with a large home library and would loan books to friends and neighbors who shared in her love of reading. On March 14, 1951, Dollie married Dean Ainley. He preceded her in death on August 9, 2001. She was also preceded in death by one son, David Ainley, and her siblings Loyd Fugate and Bill Fugate. Surviving is her son, Don (Carol) Ainley of Poplar Bluff; her daughter, Dee (Loren) Smothers; grandchildren, Jason (Nicole) Ainley, Lauren White, and Alexa (Tyler) Montgomery; and three great-grandchildren, Sophia, Olivia, and Sadie. Visitation will be Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Edwards Funeral Home beginning at noon with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. with Brother Luther Abbott officiating. Burial will be in the Doniphan City Cemetery. Flowers would be a beautiful tribute to express what words cannot for this lifelong florist. Donations may also be made to Samaritan’s Purse: Operation Christmas Child.