Dorothy Marie Justice

Dorothy was born on March 1, 1921 to John Edgar and Estella (Austin) Ball in Iowa City, Iowa. Dorothy was one of ten girls that ran wild through their family farm.

On September 23, 1945 Dorothy married the love of her life, DeWayne Lohr Justice. DeWayne and Dorothy traveled extensively through DeWayne’s service in the military and his various careers. They lived all around the country as well as in Italy, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. With DeWayne, Dorothy started a dynasty of love and family, welcoming their children Lynda, John, Dawn, and Tina. They spent many years as a family in El Paso, Texas.

Dorothy—lovingly called Amma by all of her many grandchildren—was a master with food. As soon as she became a grandma, she involved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the kitchen whether it was teaching them to make biscuits, preparing and cooking a grand holiday meal together, or baking and decorating cookies. Everyone knew to go to Amma for cooking advice that transcended simple cookbooks. All of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren now know that the best way to make cookies is by hand.

Amma lived by that advice—taking it beyond just cookies. She loved and cared for and molded everyone that entered her life by hand, throwing her whole self into whatever new family member or friend had the joy of meeting her. She was the perfect, sweet grandma from the movies, but she was also one of the most open and daring people you would meet. Her passion for life was reflected in those she met and in the adventures she went on even in her later years. From riding the fastest roller coaster in the world at 84, to rafting the white rapids of Colorado at 87, to riding a motorcycle for the first time at 90, to saying “yes” to any challenge or new adventure her great-grandchildren threw her way, Amma made sure that she made the most of her 101 years of life and inspired others to do the same.

For such a small woman, Amma was bigger than life and stole a part of every heart that she encountered.

Amma was preceded in death by her parents, John Edgar and Estella; nine sisters; husband, DeWayne; daughter, Dawn Evans; and son-in-law, John R. Woods.

She is survived by her children, Lynda, John and wife, Peggy; son-in-law, Terry; and daughter, Tina and husband, Joe; seven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson; and countless other family, friends, and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, or a charity of your choice.