Dorothy Catherine Crocker

Dorothy Catherine Crocker, 88, Centerton, passed away October 19, 2019. Dorothy was born January 26, 1931, in Streator, Illinois, to the late Carl and Agnes (Thone) Schaibley. She graduated from Streator High School. Dorothy married Robert Bruce Crocker on April 22, 1950 and moved with him to Camp Lejune, while he served with the US Marines at the end of World War II and the Korean War.

In April of 1951, while living at Camp Lejune, she gave birth to their first child, Karen. A short time later, they moved to Indianapolis. Over the next fourteen years, Karen was followed by Mark, Susan, Nancy, Gail, Robert, and Kevin. In 1960, Bob, Dorothy, and family moved to Centerton, Indiana, where they still reside.

Bob and Dorothy became members of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Martinsville. Because their home was closer to Mooresville, in 1967, they became one of the charter families of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Mooresville where they are still registered members. Dorothy was active in the Women’s Groups for 50 years and made home-made noodles for Applefest dinners for nearly 20 years, having just retired from that position in 2015.

Though she worked at Stout Field and Product Development over the years, her life was her family. Their home became the gathering spot for holidays, birthdays, and just weekend get-togethers. It buzzed with the energy of seven children, who became parents to 15 grandchildren, who became parents of a host of great grandchildren. The extended family includes numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors whom she treated like family.

Both Dorothy and Bob enjoyed fishing and for many years traveled to Minnesota and Wisconsin and joined extended family members for annual boating, fishing, and camping activities. In the last several years, fishing trips gave way to vacations with immediate family. She said all she wanted to do was sit and watch the kids and listen to everyone talking. As long as she was surrounded by family, she was happy. She died as she lived, surrounded by family who love her and will miss her deeply. We will remember her ability to handle a crowd at a moment’s notice, her “free” and honest opinions, her open door to help anyone in need, and her love of all around her.

Surviving family include her husband of 69 years, Bob; her brother, Charles Schaibley; sister, Sandy (Mike) Novak; children and spouses, Karen and Tony Houk, Mark and Teresa Crocker, Susie and Mark Parmerlee, Nancy and Paul Casey, Gail Wilkerson, Robert and Susan Crocker, Kevin and Marta Crocker; 15 grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Schaibley; and a sister-in-law, Janice Schaibley.

Friends and family will gather Thursday, October 24, 2019, 5 to 8 p.m. in the chapel at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2019, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1200 N. Indiana Street, Mooresville. Burial will follow at St. Martin Cemetery, Martinsville. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas More Catholic Church or to the American Cancer Society. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.