DOROTHY MORLAN
Dorothy passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 17th, 2025 in Topeka, Kansas at age 98. She was born on September 1st, 1927 in Parker, Kansas. Her parents were Dr. James L. Ruble Sr., and Ellen Ruth Van Buskirk Ruble. Dorothy had one brother Dr. James L. Ruble Jr and sister Ellen Frances Ruble who have both pre-deceased her.
Dorothy led an active personal and professional life. She attended Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas where met her future husband William. A. Brooks Sr. (Ph.D) from Osawatomie, Kansas. They were married on May 31st, 1948, and soon afterward moved to the Kansas City metropolitan area. Their first home was in Shawnee Mission, Kansas and then the family moved to Overland Park, Kansas.
Dorothy worked for the Johnson County Health Department and was an active volunteer in the Shawnee Mission Kansas School District. In 1973 the family moved to Rolla, Missouri when her husband accepted a tenured professor position at the University of Missouri at Rolla. Dorothy worked in several administrative positions at the University and at the First Baptist Church in Rolla, Missouri. Dorothy also worked at Zeno’s Restaurant and the Rolla Presbyterian Manor. Later in life, she, served in house director positions for the ZTA Fraternity at several universities in Florida and Maryland.
After the death of her first husband in 2003, Dorothy married Lorin D. Morlan of Carbondale, Kansas in 2004. The two first met during a social event in the early 1940’s, and managed to regain contact 60 years later. She retired and moved to Carbondale with her pet Boston Terrier Alexandra where she remained active with the local church and community.
Dorothy lived the rest of her life in Carbondale and several retirement communities in Topeka, Kansas. After L. D. Morlan passed away in early 2020. Her last residence was in the Aldersgate Village in Topeka. Her passion was playing bridge and volunteer work for the church. She was a passionate Christian and wanted everyone to know that she lived her life for Christ.
Dorothy was active in the Methodist Church in Parker and became a Christion at a very early age, and loved the Lord her entire life. Her favorite hymn was “Amazing Grace” and her favorite Bible verses were Psalm 1 and Psalm 23.
Survivors include her son William A. Brooks Jr. of Rockville, Maryland and three grandchildren Charlene Keith Ingersoll of Boise, Idaho, Natalie K Brooks of Rockville, Maryland and Jeremy P. Brooks of Rockville, Maryland, and one great granddaughter, Shealynn Ingersoll of Boise, Idaho. Private graveside services will be held later this year at the Parker Cemetery.
