Dorothy Ann (Koci) Henderson

Dorothy Ann (Koci) Henderson passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 9th, 2025.  Dorothy was a lifelong resident of the Auburn and Wakarusa communities.  Dorothy was born on June 7th, 1935, in a farmhouse on Koci Row (61st Street, Auburn, KS) to Joe and Sophie Koci (Hromada). She graduated from Auburn High School in 1953 and married the love of her life, Robert W. Henderson on June 20th, 1954 in Auburn. Together, they shared 67 loving years of marriage before his passing.  

While Bob served in the U.S. Army (1957–1959), Dorothy lived in Leavenworth, KS supporting her husband and their country. She began her career as a soda jerk at an ice cream parlor in downtown Topeka and later contributed to the war effort by working at Forbes Field Depot. Her true passion, however, was working with children. She served as a secretary at Pauline Central then as the attendance secretary at Washburn Rural High School and finally at Auburn Elementary. There, she earned the affectionate nickname “Grandma” on the playground and in the lunchroom, after her grandson once asked her for ketchup at lunch by calling her “Grandma.” Everyone followed and Dorothy was then greeted everywhere as Grandma.

Dorothy cherished family, gardening, and decorating their farm with vibrant flowers. Dorothy’s grandkids especially appreciated her Cherry Delight recipe and her Red Velvet cakes on birthdays. She enjoyed attending and watching Kansas State Football games. She leaves behind a legacy of love and joy through her three sons: Kevin (Lori) Henderson of Valley Falls, KS; Scott (Maria) Henderson of Wakarusa, KS; and Robert Jr. (Ellen) Henderson of St. Joseph, MO; her brother, Melvin (Donna) Koci of Austin, Texas; and her adored eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

A family celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held on what would have been her and Bob’s anniversary this coming year.

Cards and condolences may be sent to Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 194, Burlingame, KS 66413 or shared online at www.lamb-roberts.com.

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