With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Dortha Esther Harrington Cummings, fondly known as Dottie, on April 2, 2026, at the age of 87. Dortha was born on December 31, 1938, in Osawatomie, Kansas, to Sp D Harrington and Dortha Bridget (Elrod) Harrington. Her journey through life was filled with love, laughter, and a spirit that touched all who had the blessing to know her.

Dottie was an only child who embraced family wholeheartedly, building a beautiful life alongside her beloved husband, Claude Dale Cummings. They married on December 31, 1956, and shared nearly 41 years together, raising six children and creating a home that was a sanctuary of warmth and joy. Predeceased by her parents, husband, son Timothy Dale Cummings, stepson Robert Cummings, and sons-in-law Randy Benedict and Jerry Ellis. Dortha leaves behind a legacy of love through her surviving children: Claude Eugene Cummings, Esther (Cummings) Ellis, James (Jim) Cummings and wife Tresa, Terry Cummings and wife Julie, Carol Cummings Smothers and husband Jimmy, and daughter in-law Carrie (Louk) Cummings.

Dortha’s heart expanded with each grandchild: grandsons Tim Moore, Scott Moore and wife Kerry, Michael Hurteau, Andrew Cummings and wife Mackenzie, Joseph Cummings, Colin Cummings, and Shane Cummings, and granddaughters Christina Pritchet and husband David, Amanda Nease and husband Matt, Shauna Marcko and husband Bill, Angela Brockman and husband Mitch, Britney Evans and husband Noah, Jessica Cummings, Sarah Cummings, Tina Gilbert and husband Carl, and Joy Champagne and husband Joshua. Her dear friends and best neighbors, Billy and Dora Cooper, held a special place in her heart. She is also survived by numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Dottie’s life was a testament to love, family, and community. After moving to Springfield, Missouri, at the tender age of 15, she attended Springfield High School, now known as Central High School. Her career journey began in 1966 at American Laundry, where she relished summers spent with her children. Her career path led her to a fulfilling role as a cook at SMSU (now MSU) in Springfield, from 1986 until her retirement in 2006.

Dottie’s zest for life was evident in her passions. She and Claude were avid dancers, often saying their children were nearly born on the dance floor. Her love of travel took her to many national parks, and she cherished adventures to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, and Australia. Her final trip was a treasured visit to family in Lincoln, IL, and her grandson Michael in Tennessee in 2018.

Known for her warm smile, kind heart, and generosity, Dottie never met a stranger. Her welcoming nature made everyone feel at home, and her legacy of kindness will forever be cherished by those she left behind.

A celebration of Dortha’s remarkable life will be held on April 17, 2026, visitation will be at 1:00 PM with service following at 2:00 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, located at 3506 N National, Springfield, MO. Burial will be immediately after service in Greenlawn Memorial Garden. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Republic Nursing & Rehab and Preferred Hospice for the compassionate care provided to their beloved mother.

In honoring Dottie’s life, we find solace in Revelation 21:4: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Dortha Esther Harrington Cummings will be deeply missed, yet her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

.