Dorothy Pletch Obituary

Dorothy "Dottie" Spicer Pletch

Dorothy "Dottie" Spicer Pletch, 89, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, in Fredericksburg.

Dottie was born on May 28, 1936, in Spotsylvania, Va., to Annie Mae and Edward Spicer. As a child, Dottie loved to sing and performed on a radio show with her sister. She also competed in a talent contest, placing second to the young Wayne Newton. She attended Spotsylvania High School and remained in Virginia until she met the love of her life, Henry "Hank" Pletch, at their company's softball game. They quickly fell in love and were married on July 3, 1963. Together, they welcomed four sons, Heinrich, Eric, Derek, and Stephen. The family moved from Virginia to New York, Florida, and then to Alabama for Hank's work, including his contributions to the early space program at NASA. After years away from family in Virginia, Hank took a job with the U.S. Navy at Dahlgren, Va., and the family returned to Spotsylvania. Dottie served as the Clerk of Juvenile Court for Spotsylvania County, and afterward began work at the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office as the administrative assistant to the Sheriff. She loved her time in Spotsylvania and made many lifelong friends during her time there.

In 1986, work again moved Dottie and Hank to Fort Worth, Texas, where Dottie worked at the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors as executive assistant to the CEO. As a result of her dedication to her work, an award titled the "Dottie Pletch Extra Mile Award" was established upon her retirement to recognize the service and hard work of members of the Association. Dottie loved Fort Worth, its people, the food, and road trips with Hank.

Following Hank's death in 2013, Dottie moved back to Spotsylvania to be closer to family, friends, and the farm where she was born. She will always be remembered for her love of cooking, American Idol, country music, dogs, and most of all, her love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She adored time spent with family and friends, most notably during her beach vacations with family at Oak Island, N.C.

The family would like to thank the staff of Mary Washington Hospital and Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital for their compassionate care of Dottie.

Survivors include her sons, Heinrich Carter Pletch (Donna), Eric Thomas Pletch (Lynn), Derek Edward Pletch (Amy), and Stephen William Pletch (Allisyn); grandchildren, Carter Pletch (Christina), Samantha Blakesley (Mike), Cody Pletch, Morgan Evans (Austin), Ella Pletch, Anna Pletch, Max Pletch, Oliver Pletch, and Julia Pletch; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Carson, Carlyn, Caycen, Cohen, James, Jaxon, and Michael; sister, Sue Knight (Rodney); brother, William Spicer (Bobbe); and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Annie and Edward Spicer; and husband, Henry Carter Pletch.

A memorial service will be planned for a later date.

Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com.