Dorthy E. “Dot” Harting, age 81 and a longtime resident of Elwood, passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2023 at her home following a brief illness. She was born September 23, 1941 in Charlestown, the daughter of Charles E. and Martha Jane (Swift) Amick. Dorthy was a 1960 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School. She was first married to Virgil Whisler on August 12, 1960, and from this union came a family of three children, Roland, Nina, and Martha. Following the passing of Virgil in 1983, Dorothy married Ralph C. “Bud” Harting on September 13, 1985, and they shared over 20 years of marriage until his passing in 2006. She worked for Pioneer Seed Company in Tipton for several years as a seasonal worker. Dorothy and her first husband, Virgil, were married at Main Street Wesleyan Church in Elwood where they attended for several years.
Dorthy was well-known for her longtime involvement in the Elwood V.F.W. Auxiliary. She was the chairperson and driving force of the Annual Elwood Easter Egg Hunt at Callaway Park for over 30 years, and she could be seen regularly raising funds for the event with local businesses. Dot was known for assisting in numerous functions and meals at the V.F.W. and served as a longtime chaplain of the auxiliary. She was also a member of the (former) Elwood Eagles Lodge, Alexandria Eagles Lodge, (former) Elwood Moose Lodge, Elwood Order of Eastern Star, and helped with Girl Scouts for many years. Dot loved cooking and preparing large meals, and more than anything simply loved spending time with her family. She was also known for having beautiful flowers around her house and always had a green thumb. The impact of Dot’s on her family and the Elwood community will never be forgotten.
Dot’s family includes 3 children, Roland Ray Whisler of Arlington, Texas, Nina Jane (Michael) Hart of Elwood, and Martha Jane McDaniel of Elwood; 4 siblings, Lee Sexton formerly of Elwood, Peggy (Bill) Titley of Elwood, Lana Henry of Galveston, and Betty Spaulding of Kokomo; 7 grandchildren, Jason (Deanna) Anderson, Clint (Heather) Whisler, Nathan (Caitlyn) Whisler, James (Michelle) McClain, Rachel McClain, Samuel Parrish, and Raymond (Morgan) McDaniel; 9 great-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Riata, Kensie, James Jr., Torrie, Kaylie, Easton, Kade, and Huxton; and several nieces, nephews, and good friends. Dorthy was preceded in death by her parents; 1st husband, Virgil Whisler; 2nd husband, Ralph Harting; 2 siblings, Ernest Gene Amick and Bonnie Wittrock; and 2 grandchildren, Chassity Ann Simmons in 1987 and Christina Simmons in 1984.
A funeral service celebrating Dorthy’s life and legacy will be held at 3:00 pm on Monday, April 10th, 2023 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Tim Becker of Main Street Wesleyan Church officiating. The service will start with a brief memorial ritual by the Indiana State V.F.W. Auxiliary. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1 to 3 pm prior to the funeral on Monday at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the funeral, and burial will take place at a later date in Elwood. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Elwood Easter Egg Hunt or the V.F.W. Homeless Veterans Fund. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay. com.
