Dorothy Lee Howard arrived in this world on March 19, 1936 in Omaha, Nebraska and departed on February 25, 2009 at the young age of 72.

She moved to McFarland, Kansas at the age of 3 and raised by her loving grandmother, Maude Schroeder. She married Jim Howard on May 12, 1957 and a year and a half later her only child, Michael, was born. They moved to Lompoc in June of 1961 and she worked for ITT/FEC for 33 years until retiring in 1998. After retiring, Dorothy kept busy by volunteering her time at the Convalescent Care Center, Lompoc Babe Ruth League, Aid to Veterans Thrift Store, Women Auxiliary Club, Lompoc Hospital Gift Shop, as a Docent at the La Purisima Mission, and as an usher at the PCPA Theatrefest. Dorothy had a loving heart of gold; she once opened her home to a homeless family. Her greatest joy came to her on June 6, 1988 with the birth of her grandchild, Summer.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Lloyd. She leaves to cherish the memory of her husband Jim, her son Mike, daughter-in-law Anna, granddaughter Summer, brother Gary and a host of friends that will never forget her.

"California raises peaches, Oregon does too. But it takes Kansas to raise a sweet peach like you." We will love you always.

The family would like to give special thanks to the nurses at the Lompoc ICU and our deepest gratitude to Dr. Tsau and Dr. Lam.

A viewing will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary 123 N "A" St. Memorial services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, March 5 at the First Methodist Church with Pastor Steve Petty officiating, 925 N "F" St.