Dorothy Jane DeWolf Tolhurst

Dorothy “Dottie” Jane DeWolf Tolhurst, 92, passed away on September 7, 2024. She was born in Indianapolis on June 21, 1932, to Helen Parris DeWolf and Harry R. DeWolf.

 Dottie graduated from Shortridge High School, received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University, and later received a masters degree from Butler University. She was a prolific artist and lifelong art enthusiast.

 From 1961 - 1995, Dottie held teaching positions at the grade school and high school levels, and finished her career at St. Richard’s Episcopal School, where she taught art to many students – including her own granddaughters. In 1967, she and a close friend were instrumental in starting The Scope Art Fair, a free, civic project to showcase art and promote art appreciation for the people of Indianapolis, which was held downtown at Riley Towers, and drew thousands of attendees. A lover of a variety of art media, she exhibited at Talbott Street Art Fair, Penrod Art Fair, and Broad Ripple Art Fair, and enjoyed leading adult education classes at the Indianapolis Art Center.

 Dottie was an active member of The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Indiana, and held past memberships in The English Speaking Union and the Mayflower Society.

 She is survived by her daughter Connie Richmond and son-in-law Rick Richmond, granddaughters Maggie (Mark) Cline and Katie (Tommy Nguyen) Richmond, and great-granddaughters Eloise and Abby Cline, as well as sister Connie DeWolf Kramer, brother-in-law John M. Kramer, niece Mollie Kramer Cleveland, and nephew Fred (Stacie) Kramer. Dottie was preceded in death by her parents and beloved stepfather Harold Franklin Sweeney.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Richard’s Episcopal School, located at 33 East 33rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205.

 A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, and will be immediately followed by a celebration of life for friends and family from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Woodstock Club, located at 1301 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.