Dorothy Lou Matter, age 87 of Walnut Grove, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord Sunday, March 27, 2022 at her home surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 1, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 31 at Walnut Grove Funeral Home with a prayer service and Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Friday. Private family burial will be held at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Walnut Grove at a later time. Memorials preferred to St. Paul’s Monastery 2675 Benet Rd St. Paul, MN 55109-4808 or Carris-Health-Redwood Hospice 1110 E Bridge ST Redwood Falls, MN 56283. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dorothy Lou (Matter) De Smith was born on June 24, 1934 to August and Luverna (Meyer) Matter on the family farm in Sundown Township, Minnesota. Her early education took place at St. Raphael’s Catholic School in Springfield, Minnesota. She attended school there until 1945, when the family moved to Walnut Grove. Dorothy graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1952. From there, she attended Johnson’s Academy of Beauty Culture in Mankato in order to become a hairdresser. She returned to Walnut Grove in 1953 and began working at Walt’s Beauty Shop. On August 18, 1956, Dorothy Matter was united in marriage to Edward A. DeSmith at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Walnut Grove. This couple was blessed with seven children. Dorothy was a part of many clubs and organizations throughout her life. At St. Paul’s Catholic Church, she was a part of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) women’s group, served as a Catechism Teacher, selected music for mass, weaved palms for Palm Sunday Masses, and assisted in serving at various church functions. She received the Bishop’s Medal of Service for her work with the churches of the Diocese of New Ulm. As her children grew, Dorothy was involved with the North Hero All Stars 4-H chapter. She served as a 4-H leader for a number of years. She was involved with the extension group and continued to teach and learn. She worked with a number of other community members in welcoming members of the Hmong community to Walnut Grove. She enjoyed getting together with friends and playing cards. Dorothy enjoyed creating things. Her hands were kept busy through knitting, crocheting, quilting and embroidery. She was known for her knitted dishcloths and embroidered dish towels. She especially enjoyed activities that involved being outdoors. Each year, she spent countless hours in her flower and vegetable gardens. She would use much of her own produce in her cooking and canning. Friends and family were often rewarded with the fruits of her labor in the form of jams, jellies, pickles and other treats. Family played a large role in Dorothy’s life. She always took time to spend with those she loved. One way that she spent time with her grandchildren was by teaching them crafts and skills. Dorothy enjoyed playing games with her family. She especially enjoyed playing various card games and dominoes. The family table was always ready to serve. She was an excellent cook. You never left her house hungry for love or food. She will be missed by many.
Dorothy is survived by her children: Jim (Jane) De Smith, Ann (Paul) Schommer, Dale (Angie) De Smith, and Steve (Janelle) De Smith; daughters-in-law: Jean De Smith and Linda De Smith; grandchildren: Miranda (Mick) Strand, David & Mark De Smith, Elizabeth (Justin) Gaedke, Sasha (Kyle) Dapron, Hannah De Smith, Andrew (Teri) De Smith, Megan (Bryce) Cooper, Daniel, Kelsey & Luke De Smith and Melinda, Erik & Cole De Smith; great grandchildren: Bryson Strand, Raiden & Aliella Gaedke, Kalesia, Elijah & Miles Dapron and Ellie & RoAne De Smith; and sibling Sister Virginia Matter OSB. She is preceded in death by her parents August & Luverna Matter, husband Edward De Smith, children: Michael, Gregg and Paul, grandchildren: Carissa De Smith & Joshua Schommer, and siblings: Raymond (June) Matter & Maryann (Albert) Vogel.