Ruth Purcell Murphree Dorsey

Case Details

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This person was missing Missing Since 08/17/1974

Missing Since:
Missing Since 08/17/1974
Missing From:
Missing From Opelika, Alabama
Classification:
Classification Endangered Missing
Gender:
Female
Race:
Race White
Date of Birth:
Date of Birth 07/21/1905 (119)
Age:
Age 69 years old
Height and Weight:
Height and Weight 5’4, 105 pounds
Clothing/Jewelry Description:
Clothing/Jewelry Description A flowered blouse and a long brown skirt or pants.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Distinguishing Characteristics Caucasian female. Light brown hair, gray eyes.
Details of Disappearance:
On August 17, 1974, Dorsey disappeared from Opelika, Alabama. She was last seen around 6 p.m. pulling into her driveway after buying gas. She was supposed to teach Sunday school the next day, and her absence was unusual.

When police went to her house, they found things out of place: the doors were unlocked, laundry was outside, her Bible and teaching materials were on the table, her bed was unmade, and her three dogs were huddled together and scared—all very strange. Her car was found downtown near a church, with her purse, glasses, and keys inside. It seemed like she’d just run a quick errand. Oddly, the car was parked in front of her old house with her late husband.

Police initially thought she left on her own, but her family believed something bad happened. Dorsey was a strong, independent woman who was close to her family and wouldn’t disappear without a word. She was a retired bank worker and a college graduate. The case remains a mystery.

Agency:
Opelika Police Department 334-705-5220
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