Dorothy “Dot” R. Absnaider
Absnaider FLORENCE— Dorothy “Dot” R. Absnaider, 90, died unexpectedly on Oct. 12, 2024, in San Antonio, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on March 29, 1934, in Rockdale, Dorothy was the third of six children born to Ernest and Tempie Rutherford.
She grew up between her brothers, Ernest “Bud” and Bobby “Bob,” in a lively household shaped by the love and laughter of her siblings.
After Bud and Bo b returned from serving in Korea, they introduced their sister to a fellow soldier they trusted, Louis Absnaider. Dot and Louis began their courtship in 1954 and, a year later, they married in Cameron on May 30, 1955, starting a life together that spanned nearly 70 years.
Dot and Louis settled in Austin, where they raised their children, Monica, Melinda and Michael.
Dot balanced her professional roles in the State Comptroller’s office, as an attendance clerk, and later at the IRS with her role as a loving mother. Saturdays at their Austin home were marked by the smell of freshly baked kolaches.
Dot and Louis built their home in Liberty Hill in 1980, where they lived for the next 40 years. It quickly became the heart of family gatherings, filled with the warmth of holiday celebrations and family reunions.
Dot’s love for gardening flourished there, and together with Louis, they nurtured a thriving garden. Her pantry was always filled with jars of her summer harvests and homemade preserves.
Dot was a woman of many talents and a steadfast presence in her community. She was active in her church, a member of the DCCW and Garden Club and generously gave her time volunteering at Seton Hospital.
She proudly served as Commander of the VFW Ladies Auxiliar y multiple times and never missed a Bingo game.
Her life was full of color— from her painting and the flowers she lovingly grew to writing for the local Liberty Hill newspaper,
A devoted friend, Dot was known for faithfully keeping in touch, always sending thoughtful letters and cards to her loved ones.
Family was at the heart of everything for Dot. She never missed an opportunity to bring them together for reunions, special anniversaries, and holidays.
Dot loved to travel with friends and family, documenting all the special moments from her trips around the world and the annual beach vacations that turned into traditions with family and friends.
With a talent for always remembering the little things that made people feel loved, her legacy lives on in the traditions she helped create. She leaves behind a life filled with love, laughter and treasured memories.
Dot was preceded in death by her son, Michael; her parents, Ernest and Tempie Rutherford; her sisters, Mabel McGoldrick and Patricia Hatfield; and her brothers, Ernest “Bud” Rutherford and Bobby “Bob” Rutherford.
She is survived by her adoring husband of 69 years, Louis Absnaider; her sister, Gloria Waldrop; her daughters, Monica and husband Marc Jacobi, Melinda and husband Rick Edwards; her grandchildren, Jason and Elizabeth Jacobi, Sara Jacobi and Zachary Dunn, Joshua and Kaylynn Jacobi, Rachel and Benjamin Martinez, Jennifer and Randy Blakemore, and Mallory Motley.
Dot also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren, Yissel Martinez, Alexis Jacobi, Rylan Martinez, Thomas Jacobi, Juliet Jacobi, Gabriel Jacobi, Lilian Jacobi, Paysli Hicks and Brayden Blakemore.
Dot’s legacy of strength, laughter, and kindness will live on through the family traditions she lovingly built and in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Services in memory of Dot Absnaider will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church, 6571 FM 970, in Florence, presided over by Rev. Father Larry Stehling.
A luncheon will be provided following the services in the reception hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to please consider donating to Disabled American Veterans by visiting: www.dav.org/ways-togive/.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to www.schaetter. com.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home, 301 E. San Antonio St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 1-800880-2152.