Dorothy Ebi

Dorothy Ebi was born March 2, 1924, in Oak Park, Illinois to Robert Hendel and Elizabeth Sovereign Hendel. She passed away with her family by her side at her home in Fair Oaks, California the morning of May 16, 2021, at the age of 97.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Kenneth Ade Ebi, Jr.; they were happily married for over 74 years. She was also preceded in death by her beloved sisters, Catherine Konvicka and Isabel Thompson.

She is survived by brother Robert Hendel & wife Shirley of Potomac, MD. She is the mother of Ken Ebi, III of Grass Valley, CA, Carol Kennedy & husband Michael of Roseville, CA, Alice Ebi of Kalispell, MT, Nancy Cox & husband David of Lincoln, CA, Jan Ebi-Deprey & husband Eric of Kirkland, WA, and Sara Ebi of Citrus Heights, CA. Dorothy is the grandmother of Justin and Shawn Kennedy, Patrick and Ryan Cox, and Elizabeth Kestler, and great grandmother of ten. 

Dorothy was a Girl Scout and an accomplished pianist and organist. She worked at the Brookfield Zoo during the summers of 1940, 1941 and 1942 in the refreshment stands. She was a graduate of Riverside-Brookfield High School and the University of Illinois, where she was a member of A Ξ Δ Sorority. She was a member of the PEO Sisterhood.

Dorothy met Kenneth Ade Ebi, Jr., a student at University of Illinois, on September 4, 1942 on a blind bowling date arranged by friends. It was the beginning of a lifetime romance!

Dorothy and Ken married April 20, 1944 at the Hendel home in Riverside, Illinois during a week’s furlough from his Army service.

Dorothy was a partner to Ken in starting a printing business in their garage while he was an aerospace engineer at Aerojet General. They named it Sierra Copy. Over the years, Ken, Dorothy and all family members worked in the business. It was successful, ultimately operating as many as three locations. They sold it and retired in 1993.

Sewing, quilting, and needle work were among her favorite activities. She loved reading and listening to music. Ken and Dorothy traveled throughout the US, in Canada and Mexico, and to all 7 continents. The most extensive trip was a tour around the world on a private jet.

The couple were long-time members of local Jazz & Ragtime Societies. They provided loving homes for their dogs over the years. Those who wish may donate to the Salvation Army in her memory.

A reception will follow immediately after services on June 26, 2021 at the Oakmont of Fair Oaks, 8484 Madison Avenue, Fair Oaks CA from 11:30am - 1:30pm. (Please enter on Kenneth Avenue) 

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