Dorothy Anne Neese

She was born in Orofino, Idaho, and had one sister, Betty. She grew up playing the piano and sewing her own clothes, developing a love and talent for both. Hard work was instilled in her from a young age. She experienced farm life while she lived with her maternal grandparents for several years, regularly worked at an ice cream parlor during high school, and worked on gaining secretarial skills. She graduated from Central High School in 1955 in Spokane, Washington. She worked at Standard Insurance in Portland after graduation and was known for being the fastest typist and very quick at short-hand, a skill she would remember her whole life.

In 1957, she met her beloved husband, John, who was serving in the Air Force as a Lieutenant. For the next 30 years, Dorothy would move around the country supporting her husband’s Air Force career. They found themselves in Portland, Oregon; Montgomery, Alabama; Sioux City, Iowa; Fort Worth, Texas; Federal Way, Washington and Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She was actively involved in the Air Force Officers Wives Club, serving as secretary. She enjoyed planning events, dinners and social engagements.

While this was an exciting part of her life, her joy came from motherhood and raising her three children, her pride and joy - Mark, Kim and Lisa. She gave all her energy to creating a joyful childhood. She served as a Cub Scout leader, PTA school volunteer, as well as her Air Force Wives’ activities and the Corinthian Foundation, a Syracuse charity. She regularly participated in benefit craft events, sewed beautiful Halloween costumes, clothing and dresses for herself and family, and crafted cherished holiday decorations that continue to be beautifully displayed by her children and grandchildren. She meticulously decorated each home they lived in, creating a warm and cozy environment for her children to grow up in. She loved being a grandmother and had a special relationship with each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In retirement, Dorothy and John built their dream home in Parker, Texas. They celebrated their daughter’s wedding and their 50th wedding anniversary on their property. Dorothy forged lasting memories and laughs on cruises, trips and holidays with her family. She built into the lives of her children and grandchildren by instilling kindness, humility, integrity and generosity. She was never afraid to laugh at herself.

Dorothy will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, John Edwin Neese, and a beloved granddaughter, McKenna Johnson, who shared a love of music with her.

She is survived by her only sister, Betty Sutton of Orofino, Idaho; son, John Mark Neese; daughter Kimberly Anne Beach and her husband Scott; and daughter Lisa Lynne Johnson and her

husband Jeff; Ten grandchildren, Tanya, Dima, Sergey (wife Galya), and Masha Chelpannikov (Mark’s children); Kelsey Westbrook (husband Darrel), Alli Martin (husband Darren) and Taylor Beach (Kim’s children); and Trevor (wife Deborah) and Holden Johnson (Lisa’s children). Great-grandchildren Kirill, Milana, Aliana, Khloia, and Adam Chelpannikov; Connor and Quinn Westbrook; and Jake, Scott, Ty, and Miles Martin. In addition, she is survived by Juliene Neese, John’s younger brother’s wife; Kenny Zuber, his younger sister’s husband, plus numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her very close friend of over 67 years, Ginny Vogt, who is 101 years old.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 pm, Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, 7990 W. President George Bush TPK., Dallas, Texas 75252. Celebration Services will be held at Hunters Glen Baptist Church, 4001 Custer Road, Plano, Texas 75023 at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, with a reception to follow. Burial will occur that afternoon at 2:30 pm at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.