Dorothy Patricia Auten Chidester, 85, of Rock Cave passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024, in her favorite place, her home.

She was born in Imperial, PA, on October 10, 1938, a daughter of the late Robert and Mary Kukla Auten. Dorothy, a dedicated wife to her late husband, Franklin Lee Chidester, whom she married on March 25, 1957, was an embodiment of the quote “Home is where the heart is.” She was renowned as a homemaker, whose greatest pleasure lay in the simple act of front porch sitting, cup of coffee in hand, watching the deer frolic in her yard.

Dorothy’s home was not just a dwelling but a haven of warmth, hissing coffee pots, and laughter. She was a self-proclaimed homebody, finding joy in the familiar and the close-knit community that surrounded her. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by two daughters: Mary Jane Sargent and Linda Chidester; one son, James Stephen Chidester; and one great granddaughter, Tristonia McCartney.

In her professional life, Dorothy excelled in the healthcare sector as a caregiver, often providing in-home care. Her kindness and empathy were not restricted to her patients alone, but had always encompassed her two children: Susan Hissam and husband, Brian, of Rock Cave and Robert Chidester and wife, Patty, of Slippery Rock, PA; seven grandchildren: Brian Chidester and fiancé, Lisa Knight, Junior Chidester and wife, Danielle, Mandy Chidester and fiancé, Joey Johnston, Cassie Chidester, Adam Chidester and wife, Alex, Johnny Chidester, and Nikki Nemet and husband, Kevin; seven great grandchildren: Wesley Chidester, Rosie Chidester, Alijah Brown, Cannan Johnston, Kinzle Johnston, Brogan Chidester, Trey McCartney, Stormy McCartney, and Brian Chidester; one great great grandchild, Emma Nemet; five siblings; Maryann Weifenbach of PA, Eleanor Meerdo and husband, Jack, of PA, Bobby Auten and wife, Kathy, of TX, Joey Auten and wife, Patsy, of OH, and James Auten and wife, Sherry, of IN; and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for Visitation at Clutter Funeral and Cremation located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024. Funeral Services will be held at 6 p.m. in the Clutter Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Wease Day officiating. Following Services Dorothy’s request for Cremation will be honored.

We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Dorothy Patricia Auten Chidester. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.

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