Dorothy Sertel
Dorothy Richey Sertel, 96, of Chattanooga, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2017.
A lifelong resident of Harrison, she was born, the first of nine children, March 1, 1921, to the late Rex A. Richey and Mattie W. Richey.
Educated in the Chattanooga public schools, she graduated with honors from Central High School Class of 1939. She attended the University of Chattanooga and McKenzie Business College. She married her husband, the late Granville M. “Shirt” Sertel in 1942. They were married 51 years. She began her career at the Hamilton County Election Commission. 1950-1956, she worked at the county jail for her father, former Hamilton County Sherriff, Rex Richey.
Dot was a charter member of the Hamilton County Republican Women’s Club where she held numerous offices and was involved in all election campaigns for over 50 years. Being an avid gardener, she was a member of the Murray Hills Garden Club, the Harrison Women’s Club, and the Shriners’ Auxiliary (she and Shirt were very involved in the Shriners’). They also traveled abroad. Family gatherings were at the top of Dot’s list. She loved to entertain and was the life of the party, often displaying her musical skills in piano and organ.
She was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church, Lee Anderson Sunday School Class, Women of the Church, and the Wonderful Life Fellowship.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and grandchildren, Matt Sertel and Alison McGough; brothers, Raymond and Charles Richey; sisters, Mildred DeMars and Sue Harrison.
Dot is survived by her children, John R. (Sis) Sertel, Sr. of Chattanooga, Joan Sertel Coile, Spanish Fort, AL, grandchildren, Wendy Pharr, Cloudland, GA, John R (Tiffany) Sertel, Jr., Buda, TX, Billy (Sunnye) Coile, Mandeville, LA, Anne Marie (Chris) Crabtree, Springfield, MO, and 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Betty R. Smith, Wilma R. Dietzen, of Chattanooga, Joe Richey, Ringgold, and Bobby Richey of Ooltewah, and many nieces and nephews.
Thanks to the loving caregivers at Life Care of Hixson, and to Avalon Hospice, and special thanks to Peggy Tate.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Reverend Chris Ehlers officiating. Visitation from 9:30–11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 554 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga Tn. 37402, and Changed Lives, Box 100, Chattanooga, Tn. 37401.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.
Dorothy Sertel