Dorothy Mary Magdelene “Ducky” Dudley, 89, died August 6, 2021 at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri. Three days later, August 9, 2021, her husband, William “Bill” Dudley, Jr., 96, also known as “Dud”, died at Atchison Amberwell Hospital; they were both lifelong residents of Atchison, Kansas.

Private Family Graveside Services will be at Leavenworth National Cemetery on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Friends may call on Tuesday, August 17th at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home to sign the register book. Memorial contributions are suggested to Shiloh Baptist Church and cards and condolences may be left in care of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom care has been entrusted. Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Dorothy was born September 25, 1931 in Atchison, Kansas the daughter of James Oliver Burton, Sr., and Mildred Brown. She attended Lincoln School in Atchison. William was born September, 29, 1924 in Atchison, Kansas the son of William Dudley, Sr. and Janie Woodyard. He attended Lincoln School and then joined the United States Army to serve in World War II. He then returned home to marry the love of his life, Dorothy Burton and just celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary on May 3, 2021. Their marriage was truly a testament of love, commitment and caring lead by faith. From this marriage they were blessed with five children.

Bill began his employment for Coopers Foundry, was a mechanic for Red-E-Mix Concrete and was a supervisor for the City of Atchison Parks and Recreation until he retired in 1987.

Dorothy worked many years for the John Adair Sr. family, developing a close and lasting relationship with the Adair children. After retiring, Dorothy became a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking and carrying for her children and grandchildren. She loved her family dearly and enjoyed being a foster parent.

They were members of Shiloh Baptist Church, formerly Zion Baptist Church. Dorothy was an active and faithful member of the church. She served on the Usher board, kitchen committee and sang in the church choir. Bill held many positions in the church, including deacon and musician. He loved to play harmonic and was requested to play on various church programs.

Dorothy believed and lived her life putting God first, family second and herself last. She was also willing to help anyone who needed it.

Bill loved fishing, enjoyed working on cars, umpiring, being a foster parent and a great well-known respected citizen of Atchison. He enjoyed spending time with family, camping, fishing and visiting family

They are survived by their children, William H. (Marcia) Dudley, Minneapolis, MN; Lonnie Dudley, Atchison, KS; Martha (Steve) Wilson, Atchison, KS; and Maxine (Rickey) Ross, Atchison, KS; twenty-six grandchildren, fifty-five great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews and several close friends that were considered as family. Additionally, Bill is survived by his sister, Arthene Hunter, Atchison, Kansas.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Delores Downing; two brothers, James Oliver Burton, Jr., and Harry Burton, Sr.; her son, Ralph A. Dudley; grandson, Tyrone Tyler and granddaughter, Tonda Dudley.

Preceding William in death are his parents, his wife of 74 years, Dorothy; a son, Ralph A. Dudley; two grandchildren, Tyronne Tyler and Tonda Dudley, five sisters, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Churchill; Lilly Churchill; Carrie Ann Snoddy; Louise Ross, Jeanette Dudley and Madge Ross and three brothers, Clarence Dudley, James, “Teensy” Dudley and Ralph Dudley.