Dorothy Ruth Mangus

Dorothy Ruth Mangus, 100 years old, passed away on February 8, 2024. She was born on July 10, 1923, in Covington, Virginia to her parents, O.C. and Julietta Montgomery. Dorothy moved to Indianapolis, Indiana in her early adulthood and met and married the love of her life, William “Bill” Mangus. Together they had 2 children and had a wonderful life until his passing in 1983. After her husband’s passing, Dorothy spent the next 30 years volunteering at Community East Hospital. She became a valued and loved asset there, assisting with their Telecare follow up program, delivering flowers to rooms, managing the coffee cart, and even making baby bonnets for newborns. Dorothy had a love for flowers. She took pride in her garden, and even won a few awards for the “Prettiest Patio” in her apartment complex. Dorothy was an avid fan of the Indianapolis 500, where there are countless memories of her and her family attending. She was also a fan of the Indianapolis Colts, always tuning in on game day and wearing blue to cheer them on. Although Dorothy maintained her independence up until her final years on Earth, she couldn’t have done it without the help of her neighbors, who were more like family, Bonnie Hartman and Patty Price.   Her care was unmatched at Otterbein Franklin SeniorLife Community—the staff there certainly made the transition to assisted living for Dorothy seamless and comfortable. In her final weeks, Mainstreet Hospice and Nurse Michelle and Staff truly cared for Dorothy as if she were their own family. It was because of these wonderful people, that Dorothy lived comfortably in her later years. Dorothy could best be remembered for her loving and giving nature. Her greatest accomplishment, however, was her family. She never missed an opportunity to tell them how proud she was of them. Dorothy was a true matriarch to her family and will be missed sorely by all the lives she has touched.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Julia Clark (The Late Ronnie Clark) and Dean (Debbie) Mangus; her grandchildren, Kelli (George), Ronda (Travis), Angie (Ashley), Jennifer (Aaron); great-grandchildren, Samantha Decker, Sarah Hamrick, Barrett Smith, Gabriel Smith, Nicholas Smith, Finn Schmidt, Everly Schmidt, Nora Schmidt, Margo Schmidt; and 4 great-great grandchildren; and a host of beloved extended family and friends.

Dorothy is preceded by her parents; loving husband, William “Bill” Mangus; 6 siblings; and her son-in-law, Ronnie Clark.

A private family graveside service will be held at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park East Cemetery. 10722 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, Indiana 46229.