Hortense Dowdle age 96 of Washington, passed away peacefully at her home Thursday, May 8, 2014.

She was born February 1, 1918 in Winfield, Alabama. She was the oldest child of five children born to Reuben Bascom Dodson and Ruth Olive (Dillard) Dodson. Hortense and her family moved to Washington, Oklahoma by train when she was five years old. She attended Washington schools to the eleventh grade and played basketball. At the age of sixteen, she married the love of her life, Jackson Mose Dowdle. They were married on October 6, 1934 in Chickasha. Together they made their home in Washington where they raised four children, Carol Ann, Donna, Margaret and Greg. Hortense grew up learning how to work hard as a young girl and she continued that same work ethic throughout her life. After she married, she became a wife, a mother, a homemaker and a helpmate to Mose. Together they made a living dairying, farming and raising cattle. After the children got older she worked outside the home, first for J. C. Penny’s, then Stuckey’s and lastly she owned and operated the Washington Café for 12 years. For her enjoyment, Hortense belonged to the McClain Co. Home Demonstration Club, she liked growing flower gardens around her home and when she could she liked to go fishing. She was a fabulous cook and was known for her famous pie making skills. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by: Parents; Reuben and Ruth Dodson, Husband; Mose Dowdle on June 3, 2006, Grandson; Todd Yeargan, Granddaughter; Elaine Keeler, Son-in-law; Mark Andrews, 2 Brothers; Cofer and R.B. Dodson, 2 Sisters; Mercedes Dodson and Imogene Micheledge, 2 Nieces; Carla Lawson and Amber Mathews,

She is survived by: Four children; Carole Ann Andrews of Washington, Donna Yeargan and Monte of Leon, Kansas, Margaret Gill and husband Ron of Tulsa, Greg Dowdle and wife Jayne of Washington, Five grandchildren; Kelly Rollins, Sandra Price, Jeri McKenzie, Brooke Walkup and Mindy Robberson, 10 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren, Many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Graveside funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Washington Cemetery in Washington, OK.