Dorothy Elaine Closs

Dorothy Elaine Austin Closs August 13, 1925 – November 24, 2009 Dorothy Closs of Waco passed away peacefully, Tuesday November 24, 2009, surrounded by her family and loved ones. A memorial service will be at 11:00 a. m., Saturday, November 28, at Austin Avenue United Methodist Church with the Rev. Chris Mesa officiating. Private family graveside services will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Dorothy was born on August 13, 1925, in Hamilton, to Bessie Ermine McKinley Austin and Ira John Austin. Dorothy graduated from Waco High School and proved to be an exceptional artist. She moved to Los Angeles, where she pursued her love of the arts, studying drawing and working at Universal Studios. Also, during this time of war, she volunteered with the USO. She returned to Waco and attended Baylor University, studying drama, where she met her husband, J. Ross Closs. They married on July 22, 1950, at Austin Avenue Methodist Church, where she remained a faithful member. For the next twenty five years, Dorothy was busy raising a family while still finding time to volunteer as a Sunday School teacher, PTA President, and Camp Fire Girls executive, as well as earning a degree in Art Education at Baylor. She enjoyed many years as a "den mother" to numerous MBA students at Baylor's Hankamer School of Business, serving as the secretary to the Dean of the graduate program. In 1977 she opened her own business, Gran Tour Travels, which she quickly established as one of Waco's premier travel agencies. Resourceful and energetic, Dorothy managed to balance her successful business career, which included worldwide travel with a life of community service, volunteering with Art Center Waco, Waco Cotton Palace, Historic Waco Foundation, and Meals and Wheels. Dorothy dedicated her life to her family, friends, students, customers and her church. Fondly known as "DeDe", she will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. She is survived by her grateful children: Cindy Coutroubis, Susan Duncan and husband, Malcolm, J. Austin Closs and wife, Melissa; five adoring grandchildren: Frances Duncan King and husband, Tripp, Laura Duncan, J. Closs, Don Closs, and Elizabeth Coutroubis; her great granddaughter, Grace Caroline King; and numerous cousins. The family would especially like to thank Darlene Brown, the nurses and staff of Vista Care Hospice and Alzcare, Waco, for their loving care of Dorothy. If desired memorials may be made to Austin Avenue United Methodist Church 1300 Austin Avenue, Waco, 76701, Alzheimers' Association 6605 Sanger Avenue, Suite 1, Waco 76710, or a charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey