Holub, Dorothy Carrie

Dorothy Carrie Holub, of Crawfordville, Fla., passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2012, after a brief illness. Her daughter, Bonnie Holub and son-in-law, Tim Jordan were by her bedside. She was born on Nov. 25, 1924, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Dorothy was known for her caring nature, can-do attitude and steadfast work ethic. There was nothing she couldn't do once her mind was set. At age 19, she became a proficient welder in the wartime shipyards of New Orleans, a talent she carried with her for many years, using her welding skills to repair farm equipment and for other jobs when needed.

While Bonnie was growing up, Dorothy owned and operated the local drugstore and old fashioned soda fountain in Coggon, Iowa. She fixed up a backroom with jukebox and tables so kids would have a place to go after school to listen to music and dance. When her daughter was in elementary school, Dorothy taught her how to be a top-rate “soda jerk,” how to give superior customer service and how to run the cash register, thus passing on her values of service, work and responsibility to her young protégé, so her daughter “could always get a job.”

When her daughter left for college, Dorothy sold the drugstore, moved to Cedar Rapids, and worked at Collins Radio. She also worked in the family's bowling lanes in Marion, Iowa. In 1970, she moved to Indian Rocks Beach, Fla., and managed a dry cleaning shop, and then to Wakulla County in 1981, where she worked at Wakulla Cleaners.

In her 60s, she tried to retire, but that was not to be. She wanted to work, so she began her tenure as a crew leader at the U.S. Forest Service in the Elder American Program in Wakulla. She drove a “six pack” truck to recreation areas in the forest that needed cleanups and repairs. This was one of her favorite jobs, as she loved being outdoors and being with her hardworking and fun-loving crew. At age 80, when her legs began to weaken, she had to leave the USFS for a less physical job. She was immediately hired as the first paid volunteer coordinator for the Wakulla Welcome Center in Panacea, also a favorite job of hers because of the dedicated volunteers (who became special friends) and visitors she met from around the world. She held this position until illness struck.

Dorothy willingly worked until she was 86, and played golf in her spare time. And all of the time, 24/7 she was an exceptional, loving Mother. Another job well done.

It wouldn't surprise anyone who knew her, to find she is now leading a special crew of can-do angels on industrious celestial adventures.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carlton and Alice Smith of Cedar Rapids; her brother, Harold Smith of Panacea; her sister, Clarice Hicks and brother-in-law, Travis Hicks of Alexandria, La.; and her sister, Joyce Gordon and brother-in-law, Ralph Gordon of Marion, Iowa.

In addition to Bonnie and Tim, she is survived by her special nieces and nephews in Iowa, Louisiana, Texas and Colorado and a host of cherished friends.

A memorial celebration of Dorothy's life will be held at the Wakulla Welcome Center in Panacea, 1493 Coastal Highway 98, on Sunday, May 27, at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please do something special to make someone feel special. Dorothy would like that.

Published in The Gazette May 24, 2012.