Dorothy Cravey Kaetz

Dorothy Kaetz died on Aug. 31, 2024, at the age of 83, at Traditions in Beaumont in Louisville, KY, after a three year bout of dementia. Dorothy kept her sense of humor and love of people until the very end.

Dorothy was born to Lela and Marvin Cravey in Montgomery, AL. After her father’s death in 1947, she and her mother moved to Birmingham, AL, where her mother’s family resided. At first, they lived with Lela’s father in College Hills, but eventually they found an apartment of their own. Dorothy grew up surrounded by family, including her grandfather, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Dorothy received a degree in mathematics from the University of Alabama and a Master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She was a high school math teacher for many years. Dorothy especially enjoyed teaching geometry. She loved explaining mathematical concepts to students and watching them learn. She did not stop teaching after retirement as she taught Sunday school classes at her church.

After living in Louisiana and Tuscaloosa, Dorothy returned to Birmingham in 1970 with her three young children, Scott, Mark, and Carol, to be closer to the family that remained in the city. She also brought along her cat, and for the rest of her life, until she entered Traditions, was owned by at least one cat.

Dorothy married the love of her life, Andrew Kaetz, on March 10, 1984. After they retired in 1990, they devoted their time to traveling, growing and preserving vegetables, and hosting family get togethers. She loved inviting and hosting her family, cooking delightful meals and testing new recipes. Dorothy also loved reading, especially spy thrillers.

Dorothy loved working with her hands. She hooked rugs, knitted and crocheted sweaters and blankets, sewed clothes and curtains, embroidered pieces, and even engaged in macrame for a time. But her favorite was quilting, which she started after retiring. Dorothy made numerous quilts, each one beautiful and treasured by her family.  

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Andrew; her parents, Lela and Marvin Cravey; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Dorothy is survived by her three children, Scott, Mark, and Carol; their spouses, Susan, Belinda, and Bruce; her grandchildren, Jennifer, Joshua, Michael, Rosemary, Ethan, and Elizabeth; and her great-granddaughter, Aliyah. She is also survived by numerous steps, including stepson, Bruce; step-grandchildren, Jessica, Nancy, Amber, Bryan, and Kirsten; step-great-grandchildren Bryanna, Magdenlena, and Levi. Dorothy loved all her family and dearly loved spending time with them all. 

Visitation will be from 4pm to 8pm on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, East Louisville Chapel, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40243.  Burial will take place at 1pm CST Friday, September 6th in Highland Memorial Gardens, 3115 18th Ave N, Bessemer, AL 35020, where family will share memories.  A celebration of life will be 12 to 4 pm, on Sat., Sept. 7 at Fairfield Inn, 4980, Academy Court, Bessemer. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Traditions in Beaumont, Hosparus, and Chozen Angels for their care of their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Dorothy loved you all.

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