Dorothy Rosella (Butterfield) Kaye

Dorothy Kaye, age 94, of Sumner, Missouri passed peacefully on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at her home with family by her side.

Dorothy Rosella, daughter of Gilbert James and Virginia Carson (Maxwell) Butterfield, was born October 3, 1927, in Linneus, Missouri. Dorothy moved to Sumner on March 26, 1950, when she married J.I. “Jake” Kaye, Jr., who preceded her in death on November 4, 1972.

Following Jake’s death, Dorothy remained on the Century Old Farm that dates back to Jake’s grandfather.  She raised their girls, and continued Jake’s dream of operating the family farm, which remains active today. She lived in the home she and Jake built until her death.

Both Dorothy and Jake were community servants and highly involved in the building of the new Sumner United Methodist Church in 1965.  Jake and Dorothy were also a big part of the first Goose Festival, organizing the parade. They helped with the festival parade for 15 years until Jake’s untimely death the evening of the Goose Festival in 1972. Dorothy chaired the parade for another five years. For over 60 years, Dorothy was part of building countless parade floats for her many organizations.  Further, she was instrumental in bringing “Maxie” to the community by baking pies, making salads, and serving as a hostess at the Pioneer Kitchen-until 2014.

She was an active member of the Sumner United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, American Legion Auxiliary, Fulbright Museum, Taylor Golden Rule Extension Club, Countryside Federated Garden Club, and Tourist Club.  Additionally, Dorothy served as a 4-H leader while her daughters were members. She held various levels of leadership roles in all of these organizations through the years. Her active participation in Farm Bureau, service on the Missouri Clean Water Commission and leadership at the district and state levels with the Missouri Association of Family and Community Education through the Taylor Golden Rule Extension Club, all were testaments to her passion for women in agriculture.

Dorothy served as a member of the Chariton County Republican Central Committee for nearly 60 years, serving as Chairman for more than 20 years. Dorothy served on the Missouri State Republican Committee for 14 years.  The highlight of her experience with the GOP was attending the 1980 Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas.  There she witnessed Ronald Reagan accept the nomination for President and, following his election, attended the 1981 Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. She had the memorable experience of meeting Barbara Bush at the convention, as well as Larry Moore, the anchorman for Channel 9.

Dorothy was named the Chariton County Republican Party Woman of the Year in 1994 and honored with a special luncheon for all of her contributions over the years. 

A widow since 1972, her family was blessed to have such an active and vibrant matriarch leading the family.  Her strength, perseverance and faith were unwavering throughout her life.  Dorothy dedicated her life to promoting women in agriculture and conservative values. 

Loved by so many, she will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and community. 

Survivors include her children, Cynthia “C.K.” Reisinger (John Ebert) of Kansas  City, MO; Gayle Birdwell, of Dallas, TX /Raleigh, NC; Lesa (Terry) Haley of Braymer, MO; and Alicyn (Roger) Ehrich of Laclede, MO; 10 grandchildren,  Natalie (Andy) Sisler of Raleigh, NC; Joe (Taran) Haley of Braymer, MO; Jake (Cailyn) Haley of Braymer, MO; John (Faith) Haley of North Kansas City; Amy (Brian) Ranes of Kearney, MO; Beth (D.J.) Jeffers of Braymer, MO; Bill (Alisha) Ehrich of Laclede, MO; Brian (Dani) Ehrich of Laclede, MO; Kristen (Jake) Rogers of Mound City, MO; and Ross Ehrich of Laclede, MO; many great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two sisters-in-law, Mildred Kaye, Kansas City, MO and Vera Kaye, Sumner, MO; as well as several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband J. I. Kaye, Jr.; one  grandson, James Isaac Haley; and brother, Max Butterfield.

Funeral services will be with Pastor Charles Littrell and Pastor Joe Smith officiating at the Sumner United Methodist Church at 11:00 am Friday, June 24th.   Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Sumner, MO.   Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 23rd from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Brookfield.

Because of her generous nature, Dorothy’s family would like to continue her giving to her community by establishing the Dorothy Kaye Memorial Fund. Donations to the Dorothy Kaye Memorial Fund may be left at or mailed to Wright Funeral Home, P.O. Box 496, Brookfield, MO 64628.

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