Dorothy Marie Essig, 83, of Excelsior Springs, died Thursday, January 6, 2022, at Liberty Hospital. 

Dorothy was born on November 16, 1938, in Liberty, the daughter of Tyrus “Ty” and Hortence (Woods) Coats.  She was united in marriage to Edwin Lee “Eddie” Essig of Excelsior Springs on November 2, 1968; he preceded her in death on October 7, 2014. 

Survivors include: daughter, Kathryn “Kathy” Essig of Wilton, NY; two step-daughters, Diane Adams of Richmond and Janet Hessenflow of Gladstone; grandson, Ethan (Allie) Essig of Excelsior Springs; and three great-grandchildren: Reese, Isla, and June Essig. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Rick Essig, and brother, Kenny Coats. 

Dorothy was reared and educated in Excelsior Springs and graduated from the Excelsior Springs High School.  In addition to being a housewife and homemaker, she lived for four years in Fairbanks, AK, where she worked for the newspaper there.  She also worked at the Excelsior Springs Hospital.  She had a love for music, especially playing the piano.  She enjoyed teaching her family about music and how to play.  Dorothy liked singing and was a member of the Country Music Makers for years.  She liked to dance and enjoyed Tuesday dance group in Kearney.  Dorothy loved to travel and spend time with friends in Florida.  She made lasting lifelong friends, who she kept up with. 

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to her great-grandchildren’s music fund.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085. 

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at Rock Falls Baptist Church, with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M., with services to follow at 2:00 P.M.  Burial will be in the O’Dell Cemetery.  Please remember to share your memories of Dorothy with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.