Ainsworth, Dorothy E. RN 1903-1962

AINSWORTH, HARTMAN, WHITE, DYKINS

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 10/11/2023 at 16:17:35

Lt. Col. Dorothy E. Ainsworth, 59, occurred Sunday morning, Dec. 23, at her home in San Antonio, Texas. She had had a heart condition for several years.

One brother, Sidney, of Lake Forest, Ill., survives; also an aunt, Mrs. L.L. (Pearl) White of Volga City, and other relatives.

Burial will be in Hill Crest cemetery her this week. Life sketch next week.

~Clayton County Register, Thursday, December 27, 1962 (Volga City News)

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Lt. Col. Dorothy Ellen Ainswroth, 59, daughter of Dr. Sidney C. and Katherine Hartman Ainsworth, was born at Volga City February 5, 1903, and died at her home in San Antonio, Texas, December 23, 1962.

She grew up in Volga City, graduating in 1920 from the local high school. She attended Upper Iowa University at Fayette and took her nurse's training at the Presbyterian School of Nursing in Chicago. After several assignments she was called back to the Presbyterian Hospital, where she had charge of the probationers.

Later she served as chief nurse in a Connecticut hospital, then moved to California, where she served on the staff at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios.

In 1942, she volunteered for the United States Army nurse corps as a first lieutenant and rose successively to captain, major and lieutenant-colonel. She had assignments in the United States, including a tour as chief of nurses at the famous Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C.

During World War II, she served two tours of duty in the European command. Her last assignment was chief of nurses at Fort Hood, Texas, where in 1958, she was stricken with a heart condition. Following major heart surgery, she retired and bought a home in San Antonio, Texas.

In recognition of her years of service, a quote is taken from a letter of the chief nurse of the Army Nurse Corps in Washington, D.C.:
"During Lt. Colonel Ainsworth's active military service, she had a superior record and contributed significantly through her dedicated service to the Army Nurse Corps and in meeting the challenge of her many responsibilities both to the staff and to the patients and their families. Her professional and personal qualities assured her of the respect and friendship of all who knew her during her active service and in her retirement."

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at 9 a.m. in St. Paul's Episcopal Church in San Antonio. Her brother Sidney Ainsworth, her cousin, Miss Dora Dykins, and her close friend and army chief, Colonel Agnes A. Maley accompanied the body to Volga city, where committal services were held Friday, December 28, at Hill Crest cemetery. The Rev. Alfred Christensen, local Methodist minister, officiated at the graveside.

Lt. Col. Ainsworth was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Katherine, who died in 1919.

Her brother Sidney of Lake Forest, Ill., survives; two aunts, Mrs. James Cole, Edgewood and Mrs. L.L. White, Volga City, also 12 cousins survive.

Relatives and friends present at the graveside services were Mr. and Ms. Edwin Cooper, Mrs. C.W. Johnson and Helen, Robinsdale, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hartman, Park Forest, Ill.; Mrs. Sandra Hartman, Clinton; Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Pattison, Fayette; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hyde, Elkport; Curtis Hartman, Des Moines; Miss Dora Dykins, Lewistown, Mont.; Sidney Ainsworth, Lake Forest, Ill.; Col Agnes A. Maley, San Antonio, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Renwantz, Washkish, Minn.; Mrs. H.C Andreae, Mrs. Park Shreve, Mrs. Charles Bartels, Mrs. S.L. White, all of Oelwein; and Mr. and Mrs. James Brink, Arlington.

Card of Thanks
We wish to express our appreciation and thanks to all who helped and furnished supplies at the time of Dorothy's burial, to those who contributed flowers, memorials and assisted with the dinner.
Sidney Ainsworth
Pearl White

~Clayton County Register, Thursday, January 3, 1963 (Volga City News)

Note: A photo of Lt. Col. Ainsworth was printed with the obituary. It has been posted with her entry on the World War II Honor Roll on the Clayton co. IAGenWeb website.... click the link below.

Clayton County WWII Honor Roll
 

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