Dorotha Jean Bilbrey, 86

Dorotha Jean “Dottie” LaBolt Bilbrey, 86, Greensburg, passed away on Monday, December 31, 2018 at her residence.  She was born on May 24, 1932 in Greensburg to parents Albert Alley and Anna “Mae” (Worland) LaBolt.  The family moved to Adams, Indiana where her parents owned and operated the LaBolt General Store.  She graduated from St. Paul High School in 1950 and was the class president.  Dottie operated an ice cream store for one year before moving to Indianapolis where she graduated from Indiana Business College.  While working, a good friend introduced Dottie to a young soldier from Venice, Illinois, Claude B. Bilbrey.  They fell in love and were married on July 3, 1954. Claude and Dottie lived in Colorado where Claude finished his Army duties, then moved to Venice, Illinois.  They raised four children, Jim, Dan, Susan, and Julie.  She worked during these years as an executive secretary in banks and at Stix, Baur, and Fuller in St. Louis.  In 1965, the Bilbrey family moved to Greensburg and owned and operated LaBolt’s Motel from 1965-1993. Dottie was active at St. Mary’s Church serving as a Eucharistic Minister, the funeral meal committee, Parish Council, religious education teacher, and along with Claude were pre-marriage chairmen for 30 years, mentoring many engaged couples and they were also named “Lay Persons of the Year” in 2004. Dottie was an avid quilter and became a co-owner of Colonial Quilts in the courthouse square.  She was a member of several quilt guilds and judged and taught classes in quilting. She served as president of the Columbus Star Quilters.  Her favorite pastime was playing canasta and bunko.  Her many friends were a joy and the comradery was important to her. Dottie was a member of the Sigma Chapter of Psi Iota Xi, where she was active with their many fundraising events and she became a national office as the Southeast District Representative and Editor. Dottie loved her family and was very involved in their activities, interests, and was always ready to help in any way possible. She is survived by her husband, Claude, her four children Jim of Columbus, Ohio, Dan (Joyce) of South Bend, Susan (Hank) Martin and Julie (Mike) Mentz both of Greensburg, 16 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her three siblings, Harold (Catherine) LaBolt, Sarasota, Florida, Charles (Gloria) LaBolt, Zionsville, Janice (Ralph) Stacy, Zionsville; Many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and one great granddaughter. Family and friends will gather at 3:30 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home to pray the rosary.   Visitation will follow until 8:00 p.m. at the Porter-Oliger-Pearson Funeral Home in Greensburg.   The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greensburg with Rev. John Meyer and Rev. John Geis co-officiating. Interment will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Greensburg. Memorials may be to any of the following: Batesville Quiltmakers Guild in care of LeAnne Hankel 11 Arbor Lane, Batesville,In 47006; Tree City Quilters in care of Susan Wilson, 602 E Main St. Greensburg, In 47240; Columbus Star Quilters in care of Linda Reid, 3345 Grove Parkway, Columbus, Indiana 47203.  Online condolences can be made to the family at www.popfuneralhome.com