Hazel Joy Dodgen was born December 5, 1923 on the family farm northeast of Anthony, Kansas, one of four daughters born to Charlie and Naomi (Broce) Carothers. She attended school in Anthony graduating with the class of 1942.

During World War II, Joy went to school for aircraft manufacturing training and worked for Boeing and Beech in Wichita, before moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma and going to work for McDonald-Douglas. While in Tulsa, she met the love of her life, George Thomas Dodgen, who was serving in the Army.

On December 4, 1945, Joy and George were united in marriage at San Antonio, Texas. In June of 1946, they moved to Joy's hometown, Anthony, KS, and were blessed with two sons, Darryl and Dennis.

Joy worked as a secretary and receptionist for Dr. Duffy for many years. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Order of the Eastern Star and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Joy's children and grandchildren always brightened her days and she loved and looked forward to every family gathering. Her whole life she always liked to go fast! She drove fast even when she wasn't in a hurry. At age 85, she was still thrilled to jump on Dennis' motorcycle for a fast ride. She enjoyed genealogy, learning about her family history, and capturing many photos for the generations to come. She was a big KU basketball fan, and sometimes could be heard yelling at the TV from a block away!

On September 7, 2017, Joy passed away peacefully at the Anthony Community Care Center at the age of 93 years, 9 months and 2 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tom in 1992; grandson, Danny Dodgen in 1996; and sisters: Irene Gates, Helen Turner and Lois Carothers.

Joy will be forever missed by her sons: Darryl Dodgen and Dennis Dodgen and wife, Teresa; her grandchildren: Jeff Dodgen, Aaron Warner, Lindsay Dieker and husband, Dustin, and Haley Cooper and husband, Drew; great-grandchildren: Joel, Caitlin and Chloe Dodgen and Cody, Kinslay and Hudson Dieker; 1 great-great granddaughter, Laila Dodgen; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and many friends.


Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 11, 2017 at the Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony. Burial will follow in Forest Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Memorials in memory of Joy may be made to the Anthony Community Care Center or to Heartland Hospice and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.