Dorothy Jean Pipher Zihal, passed away on January 12, 2021 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit.
She was born in Champaign Illinois on January 9, 1931 and grew up on a farm in Hensley Twp, northwest of where her parents, Grant and Hazel Pipher farmed. She had three siblings, Helen deceased, Dale and Don. She walked two miles to a one-room grade school, then to Fisher Illinois High School, followed by DeKalb College. She met Mike Zihal, her husband for almost seventy years. Then she really pursued her life’s work of taking care of children and family.
She had four children, Barbara, Cynthia, Diane and Michael G., who gave her seven grandchildren, Paul, Laura, Brian, Landon, Emily, Kevin, and Matthew. To complete the family Landon and Tracy gave her three great-grandchildren, Camden, Emory and Peyton.
Although she played golf, bowled and played bridge this group of Zihal’s, Schmid’s, and Betsworth’s with their partners, Don, Larry, Don and Michelle kept her active especially during the holidays.
Dorothy is the linchpin that keeps us all together. She has performed superbly and she will be watching us from her place in heaven with God.
Burial will take place at a later date in New York. A private service for the family will take place following Covid 19 guidelines. The family wishes anyone that would like to be part of the service to watch the Livestream on Boles Facebook starting at 3:30 PM on Saturday, January 16, 2021.
Memorial donations in Dorothy’s name may be made to FirstHealth Foundation for Palliative Care- 910-695-7500.
Online condolences may be left at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
