Dorothy A. Porter, 88, a former resident of Silver City, NM now of Gilbert, AZ entered eternal rest Saturday, August 10, 2019 at her residence. She was born November 18, 1930 in Houston, TX to William L. and Isabel Weigel Woodruff. 

Mrs. Porter was an artist, decorator, gardener, and store owner. She attended college at the University of Houston with her focus on commercial art and drafting. She interned at JJ Sweeny Jeweler in downtown Houston for two years designing their window and counter displays as well as hand drawing the jewelry pieces for each week’s newspaper ads.

She worked for Food Machinery Company in California as artist and draftsman in the design of equipment being developed for freeze drying food for the NASA Space Program. She also worked for Kennecott Copper Corporation in Santa Rita’s Geology Dept. as company artist and draftsman. She was the first woman employed by Kennecott in a non-secretarial position.  She co-owned The Hester House Candy & Gifts with her husband Carrol for 45 years after which her daughter continued the family business for the next five years. Most recently she has spent the past 3 years in Arizona with her daughter and family. 

 Mrs. Porter is survived by her two children, Alison Hunter of Gilbert, AZ and Bill Porter (Kathy) of Montrose, CO  as well as grandchildren Shiela McCaffrey of Franklin, TN,  C.W. Porter of Midland, TX,  Elizabeth Smith of Gilbert, AZ,  Jessica Robinson of Queen Creek, AZ, and Jonathan Hunter of Gilbert, AZ. She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Porter was preceded in death by her husband Carrol A. Porter, her parents Wm. L. “Bill” and Isabel Woodruff, and her two brothers Wm. Lee, Jr.  and Fred H. Woodruff.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated Friday, August 16 at 12:30pm at The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints with Bishop Neal McDonald officiating. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.