Passed on March 6, 2017 at the age of 95. Preceded in death by her beloved husband, the late Nicholas Vellios and by her sister, the late Mildred Diefenbach of Chester, Illinois.

Dorothy was the daughter of Henry and Louise Diefenbach of Chester, Illinois. She was blessed to enjoy the friendship of dozens of cousins and friends from that community. She attended St. John’s Lutheran School and graduated from Chester High School. After high school, Dorothy worked for the Corp. of Engineers which allowed her to spend time in Granite City, Salt Lake City and San Francisco. She eventually settled in St. Louis where she met her husband, Nicholas, and they remained married for 64 years, living in St. Louis County.

Dorothy ran a successful business from her home for many years that supplied products to the Boy Scouts of America. She was an excellent cook and an avid bird watcher.

Among her survivors are son George Vellios of Jefferson City (wife Anna); son Gregory Vellios of St. Louis (wife Lynn); brothers-in-law Kon Vellios and Bill Vellios (wife Sophie) of St. Louis; sisters-in-law Maria Vellios and Gerie Vellios, and four grandchildren: Hilary, Bryce, Nick, and Amelia along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family requests that any donations be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.