Dorothea Divine

Dorothea Divine died peacefully on Tuesday October 24th with family at her side in Bloomington Indiana at the age of 93. Dorothea is survived by her daughters Nancy Fiscus (Divine) of Martinsville, IN and Margaret LeAnne Sitzman (Divine) of Bloomington, IN; by brothers Russell Burress of Venture, Iowa and Forrest Burress of Burnsville, MN; five grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents Orville Burress and Reba Burress (Truelove); her husband, Charles Ellsworth Divine; her brothers Roy Burress, Ronald Burress; her sister Evelyn Lemke (Burress); her son – in – law, Dennis Sitzman, and her grandchild Amber Desiree Sitzman.

Dorothea Divine was born on February 4, 1930, or there a-bouts, in Rutherford Township. The Dr. who delivered the home birth could not recall the exact date as he delivered 2 other babies that week, but knew it was close to Groundhogs Day and chose February 4th for the birth certificate.

She was raised by Noah and Mamie Truelove (her grandparents). Dorothea went to school in a one room schoolhouse on Truelove Road, where she managed to complete the 3rd and 4th grade in one year.

The family moved to Loogootee, IN her freshman year of high school. It was at her graduation in 1947 that she met the love of her life, Charles Ellsworth Divine. After much encouragement from his brother, Elec, Ellsworth asked her out, and after several attempts Dorothea said yes. They were married on February 2, 1952 with John and Juanita (Divine) Workman as their witnesses. They worked and lived on the family farm in Rutherford.

Dorothea worked at NWCS (aka Crane) for 28 years as a purchase agent before retiring. Dorothea also enjoyed volunteering within the community, being active with 4-H as a member and a leader. She spent time working with Farm Bureau as a woman’s leader for several years. Dorothea had many hobbies as well; she enjoyed crocheting and making blankets for new babies of families and friends. She was always up for a challenge and would try new patterns. She enjoyed baking, cooking, cross-stitch, sewing, and gardening as well. She enjoyed being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren supporting their interests.

Dorothea loved cars, especially her dream car, the 350 hp Z28 Chevrolet Camaro. She drove it like it was on rails and was lucky that she never received a speeding ticket or drag racing ticket!

Dorothea was very quick-witted and always had a story to tell. She was loved by all that met her. She was full of love and didn’t have a mean thing to say about anyone. She will be missed by many.

Visitation will be held on Saturday October 28th from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the Loogootee Methodist Church in Loogootee, with the funeral service immediately after. Burial will follow at the South Martin Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to congregate at the Loogootee Methodist Church for a meal, refreshments, and to share stories about Dorothea.