Doretha (Elliott) Townsell departed this life on Monday, December 3, 2012 at the Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines.
 

She was born in Mildred, Kansas on August 27, 1933 the daughter of Ambrose and Lessie Elliott.
 

Doretha grew up in West Des Moines and graduated from Valley High School.  She worked for the Des Moines Public School System for over 25 years.
 

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Grant (Stephanie) Townsell III, Des Moines, Beverly (Brian) Townsell-Bolger, West Virginia, Grant Leon Townsell, Des Moines, Joey Grant (Lori) Townsell, Grimes, IA; and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
 

Preceding her in death were her parents, five brothers, and three sisters, and a son, Clifton Grant Townsell.
 

A repass will be held for family and friends immediately after burial at the Eddie Davis Community Center, 1312 Maple Street, West Des Moines, Iowa.