Dortha Mae Jackson

Dortha moved with her family to Exeter, California where she attended Exeter High School. There she met a young US Sailor, Leo Rader. They were married soon after. They traveled between Arizona, central California, and Washington working in the apple orchards and other seasonal fruit jobs. They settled in Visalia, California and raised their family. There they raised four sons and one precious daughter.

Dortha was a hard worker and the sole provider after Leo’s death in 1972. Dortha made a good living as a professional dog breeder and raising various other animals and livestock. Her children meant everything to her and she made sure they had all they needed, especially horses of their own to ride. No one went without, there was no better mother.

Dortha was the matriarch of the family. She loved all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren completely. Her love, conversations, wisdom, and cooking will be missed, especially her specialty chocolate gravy.

Dortha was preceded in death by her parents Willis and Bessie McGee, husbands, Leo Rader and Kenneth Jackson, son Danny Rader, daughter Sharon Rowland and sister Barbara.

She is survived by sons, Donny Rader and wife Linda, David Rader, Bobby Rader and wife Diane and daughter in law Diane Rader; 13 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am with funeral services beginning at 11am at Visalia Public Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA (559) 732-8371.