Dorothy Louise was born June 4, 1932 in Iowa City, Iowa; the first child of John and Ordra Bowman. She was born in the home of her maternal grandmother, and her first gown was lovingly hand-stitched by her mother from what once had been a bag of flour, now transformed into a snow white soft flannel-like fabric fit for a princess. Dorothy’s first nine years of education took place in a one-room country schoolhouse. She graduated from University High School in Iowa City, IA, in June 1951. Dorothy met the love of her life while roller-skating at the local roller rink. After he had tripped over her and she fell down, she and Vincent “Fritz” Hummer were married one year later to the day of that fall on March 1, 1952. In May of 1958, after having served his time in the armed forces, Fritz decided to become an owner/operator of his own business, thus, Hummer Trucking was formed and is still going strong. Dorothy soon learned how to drive the big rigs, too, and also was in charge of all the bookkeeping. In August of 1964, the couple tired of the long mid-west winter, and moved their home and business to sunny California, settling in the farming community of Oakdale, CA. When Dorothy wasn’t driving a truck, she used her spare time employed as a clerk for over 36 years at the Modesto Livestock Auction and also at the Oakdale Livestock Auctions, on Sundays, she served as a pianist, and then organist, at one of the local churches in Oakdale. On, Jan. 1, 1971 were blessed with the birth of their only child, a son named Douglas. He became their “Rock of Gibraltar”. In December 2002, Dorothy and Fritz became grandparents of Jay Douglas who is the “Joy of their life”. Dorothy’s love of music played a big part in her life, as she played piano, organ, accordion, and the steel guitar. She enjoyed reading and often said she couldn’t imagine a life without her faith in God and her many friends. Dorothy’s parents and two brothers, and her sister preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 64 years; Son, Douglas (Tandra); Grandchildren, Jay and Cody, Chad, Mary, and Brittany, also, many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will take place Wednesday, Dec. 28 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Oakdale Memorial Chapel, 830 W. “F” Street, Oakdale, CA 95361.
A private burial will take place Thursday, Dec. 29 at 10 a.m. at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery located at the corner of ”J” Street and Fifth Ave., Oakdale, CA.
Memorial reception to be held Thursday, Dec. 29 following burial at The Reata, 160 N. Third Ave., Oakdale, CA 95361.
Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Dec. 28, 2016