Dorothy Ballard Meyering, 85, of Owatonna, died Sunday, February 2, 2020, at United Hospital in St. Paul. She was born May 17th, 1934, to George and Dora (Gregory) Ballard. Included in her immediate family home lived her aunt and uncle, Paul and Gladys Ballard. (The Ballard brothers married the Gregory sisters and were farming partners.) Dorothy entered Mapleton High School in ninth grade following eight years of country school. She graduated from high school in 1952 and continued her education at Mankato State College, graduating in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in English. In June 1956, she was united in marriage to Donald Meyering of Mankato. To this union was born one son, Arion. Prior to coming to Owatonna, Dorothy taught English in Albert Lea, Alden and Claremont. She and Don spent two years teaching at The American School for Boys at Talas, Turkey. In 1991, Dorothy was named Owatonna Teacher of the Year and was one of fourteen semi-finalists for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. She retired from teaching in 1992. Dorothy remained involved in educational and civic organizations. She was a world traveler, avid reader, patron of the arts, a willing participant in heartfelt political discussions and a paragon of generosity. Her sense of humor always remained one of her great strengths! She is survived by her son, Arion of Eugene, Oregon; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ralph and Joan Meyering of Rio Rancho, NM; Don's niece, Ann Hindert of Ft, Collin's, CO; many friends and colleagues. She is preceded in death by her parents; former husband, Donald Meyering; uncle, Paul and aunt, Gladys Ballard; Don's nephew, Jay Meyering. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2020, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the Owatonna Country Club, 1991 Lemond Road. The graveside service will be on Monday, September 21, 2020, at 12:00 pm at Woodland Hills Cemetery in Mankato. Memorials are suggested to the Owatonna Arts Center, Owatonna Public Library or American Association of University Women.