Dorothy L. Farley, age 86 of Waco, died Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in York.
She was born Feb. 26, 1940, to Tony and Cora (Hevelone) Neuman in Gage County. On June 3, 1962, she was united in marriage to Allen F. Farley at the Gresham Presbyterian Church in Gresham.
Dorothy was a dedicated elementary teacher who spent many years shaping young minds at Gresham and Centennial schools. A faithful member of the Presbyterian church in Gresham since 1959, she shared her love of music as an organist and pianist for more than 60 years, and also enjoyed playing the accordion, dulcimer, and violin.
She found joy in simple pleasures, including gardening, arranging flowers, baking, and quilting, earning numerous ribbons at the county fair for her work. She especially loved celebrating holidays, filling her home with decorations and hosting a well-loved haunted house that drew visitors year after year. She will be remembered for her love of music, her enjoyment of nature, and the warmth, creativity, and dedication she brought to everything she did. Above all else, she valued her time spent with her family, especially her grandkids.
She is survived by her daughter, Lynda (Kent) Ericksen of Waco; son, Chris (Juli) Farley of Waco; grandchildren, William Ericksen of Norfolk, Emily (Jesse) Hartshorn of Utica, Sidney Farley (fiancé Dani Kasselder) of Ault, Colorado; and a great-granddaughter Hartshorn on the way. She is also survived by her sister, Janice (Louis) Carr of Wymore; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Patricia (Jack) Craig and Joyce Boerger; brother, Duane Neuman; sisters-in-law, Betty (John) Newlon, Shirley (Jim) Brigham, and Donna (Eugene ‘Smokey’) Gonnerman; and brother-in-law, Ronald Farley.
The funeral service is at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 28, at the Gresham Presbyterian Church in Gresham with the Reverend John Nellesen officiating. A graveside service will follow in the Waco City Cemetery in Waco for Dorothy and Allen with military honors for Allen. Visitation will be held from 1-8 p.m. Monday, with her family greeting friends from 6-7:30 p.m. that same evening all at the mortuary in York. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Gresham Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements by Metz Mortuary in York.
