Early morning on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 Dorothy Ball, 51, left fearlessly to be with the Lord after a year-long battle with lung cancer. Dorothy, also formerly known as Dorothy Scheibe, was a long-term resident of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Dorothy’s greatest passions were family and faith. She believed every person deserved a place to call home and she opened her own home to many throughout her life. She was a devoted mother and foster mother with Stafford County Social Services. Dorothy was a member of Hollywood Church of the Brethren where she formed an extended family. Dorothy never met a stranger because she made a friend in anyone she encountered.
Dorothy leaves behind many loved ones. These include her daughters Karen Scheibe and Amanda Lewis & husband Gary; sons Nathan Scheibe, Joseph Galiyas, and John Pelcharksy & wife Sarah; and grandsons Hayden and Emerson.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, August 21st at 11am at Hollywood Church of the Brethren in Fredericksburg. Dorothy touched many lives and her family wishes to open this celebration to anyone who knew her.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please consider a donation in her memory to Thurman Brisben Center or to her church, Hollywood Church of the Brethren.
Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. Dorothy will live on through the love she shared with every heart she touched.
Recent Stories

The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!

Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has