Dorothy W. Tucker
May 29, 1921 - December 14, 2020
Dorothy Tucker, 99, passed away December 14, 2020 in Alpine, California, surrounded by family and loved ones.
She was born on May 29, 1921 in Niobrara, Nebraska to Curtis and Lola Ward, the first of 10 children.
Dorothy, lovingly known as Dot, or “Toots,” by her friends and family, joined the Navy February 10, 1943. She trained and became a “We Can Do It” aviation mechanic. While stationed at NAS Olathe in Kansas she met Derry Tucker. While on liberty in town, Derry reportedly walked up to her and asked, “Do you want me to kiss you now or later ...?” Upon which Dorothy turned and walked away with her friends. It seemed Derry was persistent as they were married for 67 years and had two wonderful children, Jerry and Sally.
Dorothy was also a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. Whether she was making them laugh with a funny story, cheering them on at a game or performance, or teaching them one of her many crafting talents, she always made them feel special.
She was a gifted seamstress and an amazing ceramic artist. She had her own shop at the back of her house and offered classes before the ceramic paint shops became popular. Her homemade breads were heavenly. She also enjoyed gardening and collecting gemstones of all colors and sizes. In her later years, she became an extremely talented jewelry artist, creating one beautiful piece after the next. She never shied away from giving her opinions and holding court; however, everything she did came from a place of love!
Dorothy is survived by her two children, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, as well as their spouses and pets, all of whom loved and adored her for the special woman she was.
Services will be held December 30th at 2:00 pm at the Miramar National Cemetery.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the charity Prevent Child Abuse America, 228 South Wabash Avenue 10th floor, Chicago, Il 60604 or to Elizabeth Hospice who were a blessing for Dorothy and the family in her final days. Their web site is www.elizabethhospice.org.