Dorothy Wheeler Pritchard

Dorothy Wheeler Pritchard, 98, Mineral, VA, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 28, 2025, at her residence. She was born on August 10, 1926, in Denver, CO, to the late Joseph and Velma Wheeler. Dorothy's journey began in Denver, Colorado, where she spent her early years before her family ventured west to California during the Great Depression. They settled in Fullerton, where she graduated from Fullerton High School. Fate intervened when she met Billy, the love of her life, through her older brother. A playful twist of events-her platinum blonde hair turned light purple from a rinse-caught Billy's attention. With a mischievous grin, he snatched the scarf from her head and declared, "It is purple!" That moment marked the beginning of their lifelong love story. As their romance blossomed, Dorothy worked at an ice cream shop, where Billy would often visit her. At the time, he was a Second Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps, and in 1944, they married at the Santa Ana Air Base-now the site of Disneyland. Their journey took them to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Billy served in the Civil Air Patrol. A year later, they welcomed their son and moved back to California, where their daughter was born four years later. Life's adventures led them north, where Billy worked at Standard Research, and then to Montana, where their two younger daughters were born. Dorothy's unwavering support earned her an honorary "PHT" (Putting Hubby Through) from Montana State College. Their travels continued, taking them to White Plains, New York, and later Virginia, where they built their retirement home with their own hands-a testament to their strength and resilience. Dorothy was a woman of boundless energy and warmth. She loved people and thrived in a crowd. Never one to sit still, she volunteered at a winery, joyfully pouring wine for visitors. Her love for music found an outlet in the choir, where she sang with passion. A lifelong learner, she immersed herself in sewing, crafting, reading, writing, and, above all, embracing life's joys with unwavering faith. Dorothy's 98 years were filled with love, laughter, and a determined spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and a love for the simple, beautiful moments in life. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew her. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Celia A. Pritchard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Billy Dick Pritchard; and her children, William Joseph Pritchard, Mary Carol Pritchard, and Lois Elaine Pritchard-Henshaw. Services for Dorothy will be private. An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.

Dorothy Wheeler Pritchard

August 10, 1926 - February 28, 2025