Monday, January 5, 2026 2:59 pm

After an exceptional, trailblazing life spanning over a century, Dorothy "Dot" Mulder
Roark, age 101, passed away at home on Christmas Day - December 25, 2025. Born
in Holland, Michigan, on December 19, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Peter
and Hattie (Brummel) Mulder. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by
her sister, Cathryn Mulder, and her brothers Art, Earl, Ray, Elmer, and Harold Mulder.
She was also predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Lester Roark, in 2014.
Dot's parents were first generation Americans, and she was born into a Dutch
farming family where she developed a strong work ethic. She was the first in her family
to graduate from high school and with the encouragement of her beloved Aunt Ruthie,
she was also the first in her family to attend college, at Michigan State, where she
obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees. Between her degrees, during the
Korean War, Dot enlisted in the new Women's Air Force (WAF) where she became one
of the first commissioned officers, and retired after the reserves as a captain. She was
very proud of her military service.
Dot returned to Michigan State after her active-duty service to earn a Master's
degree in Communication and Public Television. She relocated to Raleigh, NC to
become one of the first employees of WUNC-TV, where she produced and hosted
shows focused on women's issues, the arts, and health, and was also the first anchor
for the evening news. She later obtained an Ed.S. degree from Appalachian State, and
did doctoral work at Virginia Tech.
After marrying Les Roark in 1956 and moving to Shelby, NC, Dot took a career break
to raise her children. During this time, she became very active in the community and at
Shelby Presbyterian Church, where she was a proud and active member for 69 years,
serving in a variety of roles over that time.

Dot's commitment to what she called her "four pillars" - church, education,
community, and military - is unparalleled, and she spent most of her 101 years making
the world a better place as a result. Her legacy of a "century of service" - whether
publicly working with a community organization or behind the scenes just helping a
friend in need - will be far reaching and long lasting. Ultimately though, Dot's lifelong
compass was always her resolute and unwavering faith, and that faith has led her to
now embarking on her final and greatest adventure. Godspeed!
Surviving Dot is her daughter Pam Roark Washer (Doug) of Blowing Rock, NC; her
son Jeff Roark of Shelby, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM at

Shelby Presbyterian Church in Shelby, NC, followed by a reception in the church
fellowship hall. The service will also be livestreamed on the Shelby Presbyterian
Church Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ShelbyPres) and YouTube channel
(www.youtube.com/c/ShelbyPres). Interment will be private.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Helping Hands and their
caregivers including Bea Webber, Margaret Wilson, Teresa Byars, and Trudy Hopper
who all provided Dot with compassionate care and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Dorothy Mulder
Roark Endowed Fund, c/o CCC Foundation, Inc., 137 South Post Road, Shelby, NC
28152; or to the Raper-Roark Trust Fund, P.O. Box 207, Shelby, NC 28151; or to
Shelby Presbyterian Church, 226 E. Graham St., Shelby, NC 28150.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funerals Cremations &
Aquamation Center of Shelby, NC. Please feel free to share condolences online at
www.claybarnette.com or www.legacy.com.