Missing
Ruth Purcell Murphree Dorsey
Dorsey, approximately 1974
Date and time person was reported missing : 08/17/1974
Missing location (approx) :
Opelika, Alabama
Missing classification : Endangered Missing
Gender : Female
Ethnicity :
White
DOB : 07/21/1905 (116)
Age at the time of disappearance: 69 years old
Height / Weight : 5'4, 105 pounds
Description, clothing, jewerly and more : A flowered blouse and a long brown skirt or pants.
Distinguishing characteristics, birthmarks, tattoos
: Caucasian female. Light brown hair, gray eyes.
Information on the case from local sources, may or may not be correct : Dorsey was last seen on August 17, 1974 in Opelika, Alabama. She visited the Spring Villa Grocery between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. and got gasoline for her car, a 1972 Ford Galaxy. Dorsey told the gas station attendant that a relative had called her and she was going to pick the person up.
One of Dorsey's neighbors reported seeing her turn into her driveway at 6:00 p.m. She has not been seen since. She was reported missing after she failed to arrive at church the next day; she was a Sunday School teacher and pianist and it was uncharacteristic of her to miss services.
When authorities went to Dorsey's home on Route 1 in Opelika, they found the front door open and a side door unlocked. Laundry was hanging on the outside clothesline, Dorsey's Bible and Sunday School teaching materials were laid out on the table, and her bed did not appear to have been slept in.
Her three dogs were found "cowering" in the bathroom, which is unusual; the animals would typically try to defend the property if someone came in while Dorsey was there.
Dorsey's car was found in downtown Opelika near the First Baptist Church after her disappearance. The keys were the ignition and her eyeglasses and purse were on the front seat. Nothing appeared to be Missing location (approx) : the purse and it contained $11 in cash. Investigators stated it appeared that the car had been left by someone who was running an errand and intended to return within a short time.
Curiously, the vehicle was parked in front of the first house Dorsey had lived in with her late husband. The door of the house was open, but authorities found no indications that Dorsey had been there recently.
There have been no withdrawals from Dorsey's account since she disappeared. Police initially believed she left of her own accord, but her family suspected foul play from the beginning, as she was close to her relatives and it is uncharacteristic of her to leave without warning.
Dorsey is a graduate of Randolph-Macon Women's College in Ashland, Virginia. She taught French and mathematics until her marriAge at the time of disappearance: in 1928. Her husband died in 1965. After his death she worked for the First National Bank in Opelika; she retired shortly before her disappearance. Dorsey is described as a strong, independent woman. Her case remains unsolved.
Other information and links : ncy
Opelika Police Department
334-705-5220
Lee County Sheriff's Department
800-239-7072
September 2021 updates and sources
The Opelika-Auburn News
Porchlight for the Missing & Unidentified
October 12, 2004. May 1, 2006; .
Interactive Missing Person Search Map
