Dorothy Jean Van Hooser

On January 23, 2017 Dorothy Jean (McMahon) Van Hooser, 92, died peacefully in her home in Fort Jones surrounded by her family. Dorothy was born on April 30, 1925 to James and Georgia (Shelton) McMahon in Miami, Arizona. She had an older half brother, Bennett Killingsworth, and a younger sister, Martha McMahon. The family moved from Arizona to the Salinas/Watsonville area where her father had a job building a hotel in Santa Cruz. It was during the Great Depression and the job went bankrupt. At the same time her mother, Georgia contracted tuberculosis and Dorothy’s parents were unable to take care of their children. The children were separated and Dorothy went to live with Mr. And Mrs. Strong. For the most part they lived in Long Beach. It was during this time that Dorothy lost contact with her siblings and extended family. Fortunately, she was reunited with Bennett in the 1970's but she always continued to search for news about Martha. When Dorothy was just fifteen, she met her love and life partner, Andrew Burton Van Hooser. They married on October 5, 1940 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together they had four children: Steven, who did not survive, Michael Phillip, Gregory Andrew and Sherrell Ann. The family lived in Bellflower where they built a beautiful home. From Bellflower, they moved to Norco, California where they had five acres and once again built a beautiful home. In 1968 they found their beloved ranch, Whiskey Creek Ranch in Old Etna. They moved to the ranch and spent many happy years working hard taking care of and improving their property and all that implies. While adjusting to her new and different life on the ranch, Dorothy continued to take care of the household duties, including canning the fruits and vegetables from the garden. One of her family’s favorite canning treats was the highly anticipated Christmas gift of cinnamon apple jelly made with apples from the old orchard. It wasn’t all work on the ranch and to “keep busy” during the long cold winter nights she began to crochet. As with most tasks she took on, she threw herself into crochet. She made many beautiful afghans that are treasured by each lucky recipient. Dorothy loved to read and sometimes she had the opportunity to take a break from the ranch and work in town at the library. It was a job she loved because she got to meet many friends while surrounded by books. Dorothy belonged to Valley Oaks Seniors group, a service organization where she participated in many community projects. She truly loved the trips they would take together. It was a joy for her to get out and share these experiences with her friends. Dorothy began volunteering for Madrone Hospice and worked there for eighteen years. She was a valuable asset and friend, and she so enjoyed her service there. They recognized her service with the Senior Companion award. She was so proud and grateful for the recognition, “I got my picture in the paper!” In 2003 Dorothy decided that she needed to sell the ranch. It was a sad decision for the family, but Dorothy was excited about starting a new chapter in her life. She bought a small house in Fort Jones where she began to fill it with pastelles, frills and lace, decorating it in her own fancy feminine styles. She always said how much she loved her little house. Throughout her life, devotion to God and Jesus has been a constant and overarching theme. She has been a member of the Scott Valley Berean Church since moving to the valley. She loved and was loved by her huge church family. She was always ready to help where needed. Dorothy would often simply sit with friends in need to offer her constant support. She joined Bible study and prayer groups. She was known throughout the valley as a “prayer warrior.” Dorothy died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. Dorothy is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all. As she would always say, “I love you more.” A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Scott Valley Berean Church in Etna. A potluck meal will follow the service at the church.

Dorothy Jean Van Hooser

April 30, 1925 - January 23, 2018