Dorothy Victoria Ryce, "Dotty", 78, of Mechanicsville, MD, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2024 at her home surrounded by family. Born on August 17, 1945 in Leonardtown, MD, she was the daughter of the late Eileen Burch and the late William Burch. Dotty was the loving wife of the late Dickie Ryce, whom she married on August 1, 1964 in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mechanicsville, MD, and who preceded her in death on March 11, 2008. She is survived by her children, Ricky Ryce (Elise) of Mechanicsville, MD and Tammy Carpenter of Mechanicsville, MD, her sisters, Louise Gough (Francis) of Chaptico, MD and Kathy Guy (Al) of Mechanicsville, MD, her brother, Michael Burch of Mechanicsville, MD, her sisters-in-law, Margaret Mary Burch and Peggy Derrick (Pete), grandchildren, Amanda Meshach (Seth), Wayne Carpenter, Cal Carpenter, and Cadence Ryce, and great-grandchildren, Charlotte Meshach and Jameson Meshach. In addition to her parents, Dotty was preceded in death by her brother, Bubby Burch.
Dotty was a lifelong St. Mary's County, MD resident and graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1964. She was a Para Professional for the St. Mary's County Board of Education for 39 years, retiring on June 30, 2012. Dotty enjoyed watching county softball and soap operas, dancing, and playing pitch. Her fondest memories were those spent going to the beach with Dad, spending time with former classmates having lunch, and spending time with her family, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Dotty will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM in the funeral home chapel with Deane Wolfe officiating. Interment will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Burch, David Burch, Stan Guy, Timmy Carpenter, Cal Carpenter, and Robbie Cooper. Honorary pallbearers will be Amanda Meshach, Cadence Ryce, Katie Van Hoozier, and Butch Fox.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Clements Cuties Foundation, P.O. Box 992, Mechanicsville, MD 20659.