Dorothy Joan Sturm

Dorothy Joan Sturm, age 91, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

Dorothy was born on November 16, 1934, in Nevada, Missouri, to David Franklin Klumpp and Morine Cargill Klumpp. The youngest of three children, she grew up in Nevada and, after graduating from high school, took her first job as a switchboard operator for the telephone company.

At 19, while out with a friend from work, Dorothy caught the eye of the love of her life, Jack Sturm. Less than a year later, the two were married on September 5, 1954, beginning a life together filled with adventure and laughter and, before long, their two daughters, Patti and Debbie.

Jack served in the United States Navy for 30 years, and Dorothy embraced the life that came with it. The family transferred to a new naval base about every three years, living in California, Florida, Hawaii, Tennessee, Texas, Rhode Island, and other places along the way. They also had the opportunity to live in Rota, Spain, for three and a half years. Dorothy and Jack shared a love of travel, and while living overseas, they took every opportunity they could to explore Europe and experience new places together.

After Jack retired from the Navy, their adventures continued. They purchased a motor home and traveled throughout the United States and Canada with their little dog, Ginger, seeing new places and making memories together.

Following Jack’s death, Dorothy moved to Tennessee in 1999 to be near her daughter, Deb. There, she joined Eads Baptist Church, where she attended faithfully until she was no longer able to drive.

Dorothy was known for her friendliness, her sweet disposition, and her genuine love of people. She could, and often did, strike up a conversation with just about anyone, anywhere. A simple conversation while running an errand could turn into a longtime friendship. Dorothy adored children, and some of her brightest smiles appeared whenever a little one was around.

She also knew how to enjoy life. Dorothy loved eating out, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. She especially appreciated a good bargain and was willing to go great distances for the right sale or discount. She was known to stock up on cases of Pepsi when she found a good deal and would happily share news of her latest bargain from Costco or the mall.

Dorothy had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh, tease, and join in the fun. She was always ready for a little silliness, whether participating in a harmless prank or quietly sneaking the dog bites of people food when Deb wasn’t looking. She brought a lightheartedness to everyday life and left her family with countless stories that will continue to make them smile.

More than anything, Dorothy will be remembered for the way she loved people and the joy she found in being with those she cared about. She lived a long life filled with adventure, friendship, faith, laughter, and love. Her family will miss her sweet nature, her stories, her sense of humor, and the warmth she brought wherever she went. They take comfort in knowing that she is reunited with those she loved who went before her.

Dorothy is survived by her two daughters, Patricia (Jose Valverde) Sturm Klumpp and Deborah (Bob) Mosley; four grandchildren, Angela (Chris) Christopher, David (Lourdes) Valverde Sturm, Jason (Terry) VandeWalker, and Sara (Javier) Valverde Sturm; and six great-grandchildren, Kat Christopher, Elijah VandeWalker, Savannah VandeWalker, Madison and Hannah Ocana Valverde, and Alejandro Valverde Afanador.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Sturm; her parents, Morine Klumpp Chadd and David Klumpp; her sister, Bonnie Witte; her brother, Richard Klumpp; and her great-granddaughter, Ava May Christopher.

A Memorial Service for Ms. Sturm will be at 2 Saturday afternoon, September 19, 2026, at the Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland with Dr. Gregg Hauss officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 until 2:00 Saturday afternoon, September 19, 2026, at the Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland.