Dorothy Graham

November 25, 2020

Dorothy May Graham is now face to face with the Lord and Savior, and is no longer trapped or struggling with the effects of Alzheimer's Disease. She passed away on November 25, 2020 in her Victorville home of sixty-two years. Dorothy was born the third child of seven to William and Ella in Frog Holler, Estella, Wisconsin on March 2, 1928. Upon graduating from Cornell High School of Cornell, Wisconsin in 1945 she soon moved to the nearest big city, Eau Clair, where she quickly obtained a job at a laundry mat, folding and ironing clothes. Within the year her "one and only", Charles Graham, was discharged from the United States Army. With marriage in their hearts, they swiftly sent out postcard invitations and were married within two weeks on May 24, 1946. The newlyweds returned to Kennen, near his parents, where they purchased dairy cows, equipment and land with his saved-up Army money. In short six years they found themselves parents of three young boys, Tom, Lee and Earl. In 1953, after another cold winter, they auctioned their cows and dairy equipment, headed to California in search of warmer weather, in hopes of easing her arthritis pain. Continuing to work as a team Dorothy went to work in a box manufacturing plant, while Charles completed Barbers College in Los Angeles. After obtaining his license the best job offer was in Victorville at the H bar H Barber shop on Sixth Street. With the family in tow, Charles accepted the offer and moved to the desert. Life was good, for they were able to purchase a brand ne􀀕 three-bedroom, two­ bathroom home on Heartsease Lane in Victorville. Susie was soon born and now the family was complete. Both being from country areas, they rapidly realized city living was not their cup of tea. In 1956 they started their never-ending building project on Eureka Street. By 1958 they were able to move to open space in their self-built home and have plenty of room for their family and many hobbies and adventures. Dorothy now had room to set up her loom and make rag rugs, while the children could roam the desert on the Horses and ponies. The Ranch was in full gear with cows to milk twice a day and eggs to gather from the chicken coop. Once Dorothy's youngest child started attending school, she started work substituting as a food server in the school cafeteria. After her promotion to full-time, she worked her way up to District Cafeteria Manager and served in that role for ten years. It was her duty each school day, to plan the menu, purchase the food, oversee its preparation and have the hot lunches distributed and served at each school in the district. Dorothy felt a child could not focus or learn without something in their stomach. So, long before school breakfasts were formally provided, hungry children learned they could go to the school kitchen and get a warm cookie or peanut butter sandwich in the morning. When she retired in 1984 after twenty-four years of service to the district, two people were hired to fill her shoes, and one of them was required to hold a college degree. In addition to their day jobs, Dorothy and Charles dabbled in real estate, buying houses and apartment buildings to serve as rental properties. Both firmly believed that real estate was the only solid investment, and put their belief into action through hard work. Dorothy earned her license in real estate and became an agent, working for Century-21 in Victorville for some years. As a team Dorothy and Charles always managed their own rental properties. She would use every oz in her 5 ft 2 ½ inch body to hold peace when it was necessary with the renters. Dorothy was the handy person, able to handle the plumbing, painting and cleaning, but would always call an electrician. Dorothy made many friends over the years and loved watching the High Desert develop and grow in population. She enjoyed shopping at many of Grand Openings of stores that opened in the Valley over the past 65 years. Never missed an opportunity to attend the county fair and for many years, helped in whatever capacity she was needed. She attended church and loved to help with Vacation Bible School by providing and serving refreshments. Mom's prayer would always include "bring us closer to Thee". After supporting her own children in their many endeavors, she went on to be her grandchildren's biggest cheerleader in their many competitions, never missing a show competition, beauty queen pageant, sports game or race. She always encouraged her grandchildren in school, college or whatever enterprise they chose. Whatever they attempted Dorothy was there cheering them on. She made sure they were informed of their heritage on her side of the family, which included eating sauerkraut. Grandma would play and teach the game checkers to the grandkids and great grandkids, as her Dad with her. Dorothy was always ready for another trip, whether it was across the United States, to parks, zoos or various sites of interest. She was always up for a camping trip to Parkfield, where she would cook good meals regardless of conditions ... over a fire or in the coals, rain or shine. Dorothy was the relative that hosted the traditional Christmas Day Dinner for many years. She looked forward to the Joy of Christmas and family, that cooking and serving forty to fifty relatives, extended families and friends was gift in its own. When she cooked it would be the full meal with all the sides and topped off with lots of good pies, cookies and candies. Her traditional riced potatoes, pecan pie and peanut butter fudge was always requested. Dorothy and Charles' marriage exhibited true team partnership; they always supported each other in both sickness and health. When Charles was required to go on dialysis, she was the co-partner that stepped up to oversee and fight with him. Her steadfastness allowed him to undergo peritoneal dialysis; in this way he wasn't forced to go to the center every other day but could stay in the comfort of their home and accomplish the same results. For over six years she remained at his si(le and through many hospital stays. The Family was so fortunate for her caregiving, which in turn gave us premium time with Dad in his last years. We love you Mom. Dorothy is survived by her children: Thomas Graham and Barbara of Victorville, Lee Graham and Katrina of Victorville, Earl Graham and Rhonda of Apple Valley, Daughter Susanne Graham Grinstead and Jim of Hesperia; eight grandchildren: Dian, Tom, Lorinda, Johan, Kristi, James, Leeza and Zac; nine great­grandchildren: Ally, Ashley, Laney, Zoey, Charley, Jaylee, Graham, Charles and Hayden; Siblings: Ethel Klein of Cornell, Wisconsin; Ruth Deatherage and Roy of Fontana, California; John and Carol of Holcomb, Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-two years, Charles Graham; parents William and Ella, siblings Pearl Klein and Louise Josephine, and Bill. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to the church of your choice to support children's activities, such as Vacation Bible School. Mom loved Christmas and was always thankful for the Lord's Salvation, so this seems like the perfect time to give in her honor. There will be no public funeral service; the viewing and graveside services will be held privately at Victor Valley Mortuary and Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to Charles.