HARRINGTON - Dorothea R. Coverdale, of Harrington, died Monday, Dec. 27, 2010, in the Silver Lake Center of Dover. She was 94. She is the daughter of the late Elmira Truitt and her step-father Joseph Truitt. Mrs. Coverdale worked as a beautician with her aunt for many years when she was younger. She later worked for McCrorys of Dover where she met her husband who winked at her from across the street. From that wink it became a 45 year marriage which started on Nov. 23, 1938, at Asbury Church in Harrington by Rev. Green. When the kids were grown Mrs. Coverdale sold Avon for 30 years where she made many friends. She was the matriarch of the family farm. She owned, trained and raced Standardbred horses for 45 years. She had many memorable sleigh rides behind "Sinco." When she and her husband went to the races, Dorothea drove the truck coming and going. When women were not allowed to stay on the track, Dorothea was there. She loved cooking and loved to read and collect cook books. Mrs. Coverdale was once featured on Scorchy Tawes for her cookbook collection of over 300. One of her favorite hobbies was crocheting rag rugs. She loved gardening, flowers, canning for her family, and being outdoors. She exhibited many years at Delaware State Fair. She loved her animals and always had a dog or cat in the house. Mrs. Coverdale was a very strong willed person who stuck by her words. She loved and treasured her in-laws. Mrs. Coverdale belonged to the Harrington Historical Society, U.S. Trotting Association, Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association, and the Harrington Senior Center. The family wants to thank the staff at Silver Lake Nursing Home for the wonderful care they gave to Dorothea. She is proceeded in death by her husband, Lindale Coverdale; and grandson, James "Dickie" Sullivan. She is survived by son and daughter in-law, Mike and Cindy Coverdale of Harrington; daughters and son in-law, Karen Sullivan of Felton, MaryLou and Leroy Betts of Felton; grandchildren, Randy and Connie Sullivan of Felton, Abby Betts and fiance Thomas C. Roberts of Felton, Bruce and Kay Betts of Felton, Ben and Jennifer Coverdale of Harrington, Brett Coverdale of Harrington; great-grandchildren, Whitney Ellen and Ridgley Brock Betts of Felton, and Emily and Joseph Sullivan of Felton. Services will be Friday, Dec. 31, 2010, at 1 p.m. in Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington. Visitation will be one hour prior. Burial will follow in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington. Donations can be made to the Harrington Senior Center, 102 Fleming St., Harrington, DE 19952. Arrangements are by the Melvin Funeral Home, Harrington.