Dorothy Lou Pappas

Dorothy Lou Pappas, 86, of Sun City Arizona, peacefully passed away on February 21st, 2026 with her family at her side.

Dorothy was born on June 14th, 1939 to William and Elizabeth Armstrong in Dallas, Texas. Due to her mother Elizabeth passing away and World War II, Dorothy along with her older brother Billy Joe, moved to Glendale Arizona to live with their Great Aunt, Lou Edna (Polly) and Great Uncle, Edward McAllister. Dorothy attended Glendale High School and graduated in 1958. Dorothy was also selected “Miss Luke Air Force Base” 1958. After graduation, Dorothy moved to Flagstaff, Arizona to attend Arizona State College (NAU), where she completed her freshman year. While Dorothy attended ASC, she met L. Sam Pappas, they married September 19, 1959. Dorothy was a homemaker and had two sons, John, and Sammy. Dorothy started her own business in 1977, Mi Ladies Dress Shop, which she operated for 7 years. After closing the dress shop, Sam and Dorothy started traveling and going to as many Major and Minor League Baseball games as they could fit into their “road trips.” In the 90’s, Dorothy switched her focus to watching her grandchildren and her new favorite baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. If she was not at the game with Sam, she had them on the TV, almost every game!

Dorothy is survived by sons John (Lori) Pappas and Sam (Michelle) Pappas, granddaughter Michelle (Steven) Goettl, and grandson Michael (Sara) Pappas, great grandchildren, Betty Lou Goettl, Steven James Goettl III and Katherine Ann Pappas. Dorothy adored her grandchildren; she was always there for them which made her happy, and her great grandchildren were her joy.

Dorothy along with Sam were long time Big Brothers and Big Sisters board members and loved to support children in need and therefore in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Dawson Merrick Children’s Foundation or St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Services will be held on April 10th, 2026 at 10:30 am at The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 224 S Kendrick St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. After Internment, a reception will follow from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm downstairs at The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.