Dorothy Mae Gassaway June 7, 1936 – March 28, 2024

Provided.

Dorothy Mae Gassaway.

Dorothy Mae Gassaway passed away at her home in the early morning hours of March 28 with her husband, Jack, by her side.

Dorothy was born June 7, 1936, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma to Columbus and Nellie Longcrier. She was the second youngest of four brothers and one sister. The family migrated to California in 1951, settling in McFarland. She married Ralph Knowlton in September 1957. They moved to Tehachapi in 1958 and raised two daughters, Deborah and Cynthia. Dorothy later married Jack Gassaway on August 8, 1987.

Dorothy was a high school graduate and worked a variety of avocations. She provided a dairy delivery service, worked as a waitress at the old Round Up cafe and at the bowling alley restaurant. She commuted to Bakersfield to work at Aladdin Interiors and then worked at the Chevrolet dealership that was once in Tehachapi. She eventually was employed at California Correctional Institution as an Office Assistant at Level 2, retiring after 13 years as a Case Records Specialist. In retirement she and Jack enjoyed traveling to Laughlin and Oklahoma. She became a devoted volunteer at the Tehachapi Hospital Guild.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Kenneth, Dale, Carl and Charles Longcrier; sister Glenna Perry and stepdaughter Cynthia Gassaway. She is survived by her husband, Jack Gassaway; daughters Deborah Smith and Cynthia Anderson; stepson Timothy Gassaway and wife Linda; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a great-great grandchild due soon, whom she had hoped to see.

A public graveside service will be held Monday, April 15, at 11 a.m. at Tehachapi Eastside Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow at Abundant Life Church.

Wood Family Funeral Service has been entrusted with her care. For condolences, please visit http://www.woodmortuary.net/.