Dorothy Elizabeth Dyer Webster, 87, of Coleman, Texas, died on December 23, 2009, in Kennewick, Washington, with her family by her side. Dorothy was born in Novice, Texas, on August 21, 1922, the eldest child of Lance L. Dyer and Margie Grimes Dyer. Her only sibling, L.C. 'Lannie' Dyer, was killed in action in the Pacific during World War II. Dorothy moved with her family many times during the Depression, when her father traveled for jobs, a pattern that was to continue though out her married life. She graduated from high school in Great Bend, Kansas, in 1939, and from Halstead Hospital School of Nursing Halstead, Kansas in 1942. She married Clyde T. 'Jake' Webster on November 17, 1944, while he was stationed in Big Spring, Texas, during World War II. Together they had four daughters. Dorothy and Jake made their homes in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Kentucky before returning briefly to Jake's hometown in Rowland, North Carolina. Jake's work took them back to Texas, then to Nevada, Oklahoma and Washington, before they returned to Texas in retirement in 1986. In every new place, Dorothy's graciousness, kindness, love and acceptance added new friends to keep with her list of lifelong friends. Her handwritten correspondence with family and friends was legendary. She also continued to add to her extensive cooking skills, mixing Southern with Tex-Mex, Californian and Pacific Northwest. However it was her desserts that won the hearts of young and old alike. Although she never sought out official positions in the churches they attended, there was no one who worked harder or was quicker to offer care to those in need, with company, food or cards of sympathy, love and support. Dorothy is survived by three daughters, Sandra Tom Martin of Mesquite, Texas, Julie Webster of Altadena, California and Carol Dale Webster-Claphan of Kennewick, Washington; three grandchildren, Steven Briana Martin, Paul Analiese Richard Martin and Jonathan Martin; and two great-grandchildren, Lauren and Allison Martin. Her toddler daughter, Katherine; her parents; and her husband, Jake Webster, preceded Dorothy in death. We will always be grateful for the model that Dorothy set for us with her intelligence, thoughtfulness, willingness to help others and unfailing love. She was tenacious in her devotion to her family, friends and church. She did not give up on us or that which she believed was good and right. The family wishes to thank all the family and friends who so faithfully visited, sent cards and letters or called in Dorothy's last months. We also wish to thank the Hospice at the Chaplaincy, especially Dara, Cleo, Julie and Kirk and our friend and pastor Jim Dyson. The memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, at 3 p.m. at Northwest United Protestant Church, 1312 Sacramento Blvd., Richland, WA 99352 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Coleman, Texas 500 W. Liveoak, Coleman, Texas 76834, the church where she was last a member, or to The Tri-City Hospice at the Chaplaincy. Published in Tri-City Herald from December 27 to December 28, 2009