Dorothy J. Gustafson

Dorothy J. Gustafson, 82, died Thursday, July 15, 2010, at an Abilene nursing center. The daughter of Alta Marie (Ethridge) and Lawrence M. Young, Dorothy was born on July 30, 1927 in Cairo, Illinois, where she graduated from high school. On June 8, 1945, Dorothy married Clyde J. Gustafson in Cairo. The couple first moved to Abilene from San Antonio in 1952. They lived in San Angelo from 1957 until 1967 when they returned to Abilene. Dorothy was a homemaker, and in 1967 began working as bookkeeper for Karwer Machine Works, retiring in 1990 after 23 years. She was a member of St. Paul United Church in Abilene and Propheteers Sunday School Class at the church. She was also a member of the Abilene Woman's Club and the Carpi Diem Study Club. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Clyde J. Gustafson, Jr. on April 29, 2001; two brothers, Robert Young and Paul Young; and one sister, Mary Pike. Dorothy is survived by her husband, Clyde J. Gustafson of Abilene; daughters, Cheryl Jackson and husband Stuyve of Corpus Christi, and Patti Hallmark and husband Jerry of Abilene; eight grandchildren, Lori Jackson, Broeck Ruch and husband David, Beau Dempsey and wife Holly, Paige Dempsey and fiancée Janell, Jaime McNab and husband Brandon, Jeff Hallmark and wife Susan, Jason Hallmark and wife Missy, and Jennifer Hallmark; and eight great-grandchildren. Survivors also include one brother, Ralph L. Young and wife Anita of Waverly, Illinois, and one sister, Margaret Appleton of Abilene. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 17, at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Rev. Pam Rowley and Rev. Bill Libby officiating. Entombment will follow in Mausoleum III in Elmwood Memorial Park directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 16, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605, or St. Paul United Methodist Church, P O Box 3396, Abilene, TX 79604.