Dorothy DeVore Obituary

Services to celebrate and remember the life of Dorothy Jean DeVore will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2025, in the chapel at DeLozier Funeral Service. Visitation will be on Thursday from 3-7 at the funeral home with family there to receive visitors from 5-7. Dorothy will be laid to rest beside her husband John at Washington Cemetery in Claremore. She passed away at The Journey Home in Bartlesville, OK on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. She was 88 years old.
Born in East Tawas, Michigan on September 26, 1936, to Delamer and Dorothy (Sedgeman) Healy. Dorothy was raised in Michigan until she was 9 years old. The family then settled in Tulsa, OK where she graduated from Will Rogers High School with the Class of 1958. She continued her education at Hillcrest School of Nursing where she earned her certificate as a registered nurse. It was a career that lasted for the rest of her life.
When John and Dorothy decided to marry, Dorothy secretly arranged the wedding to take place on a trail ride she and John were attending. When they returned home she announced to the family that she had married the love of her life John Wilson DeVore. The family was delighted.
A lady that was gifted and talented in so many different areas. Dorothy, in her younger days, with her sister Diana worked for Tandy Leather in Tulsa. It was there that they earned enough money to buy 2 horses and board them for 2 years. A lady that just loved horses and animals. In her adult life Dorothy showed Arabian Horses.
Dorothy was also an expert when it came to mules and donkeys. Having her own donkey that took first prize at the Dallas, TX state fair. Dorothy sure knew the difference between a hinny and a jenny. She even became a state inspector for mules and donkeys all over Oklahoma and neighboring states.
In her early years, she rode her Arabian horses in many parades decked out in the full Arabian attire. After marrying John and learning all about mules, she would also ride her horses and mules side-saddle costumed in late 1800's riding attire.
Dorothy loved dogs as well, but Russian Wolf Hounds were her favorite. When it came to music, Dorothy was very well educated in classical music. She liked to listen to it and could talk about composers and the details of their music with ease.
Not having children of her own, Dorothy was the fun aunt. Monica recalls many special times with her and especially riding side-saddle in numerous parades and in grand entries of many area rodeos.
A lady that has left a legacy that will live on in the lives of her family and friends. She is survived by her sister, Diana Ford, niece, Monica Reeves and husband Frank. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, nephew Delamar Ford and his wife Sandra.
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