Dorothy May (Beatty) Neiser graduated from this life to the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on Saturday, July 2, 2011 in Olympia, WA. She was born in Haines, OR on January 18, 1916 to Zena H. and William T. Beatty. As the daughter of a Methodist minister, she moved many times during her school years living in Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint, ID; Ryderwood, Eatonville, and graduating from high school in White Salmon, WA. During her school years she played softball and tennis and in her own words, she was somewhat of a “tomboy”.
In 1936 she was preparing to attend college in Walla Walla when she felt a call to attend Chicago Evangelistic Institute (later Vennard College) in Chicago, IL. She boarded a train with $50, a chaperone and faith that the Lord would provide a job to assist in her college expenses. Intending to be a missionary in Africa, she changed her mind after meeting her future husband, James Ray Neiser, also a student at CEI. She graduated in 1940 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sacred Literature. Dorothy and Ray were married by her father in Eatonville, WA in 1940 and their first pastorate was at Sultan. They served at Grace Methodist Church in Everett while Ray finished his degree at Seattle Pacific College.
Ray continued his seminary training at Garrett Theological Seminary in Chicago and they served at Kingston and Herbert, IL. Upon completion of seminary they returned to Washington and served churches in Stanwood, Burlington and Lacrosse. They returned to Everett and retired in Tacoma.
Even with five children Dorothy was active in her husband’s ministry, teaching Sunday School, serving in various women’s ministries, leading Bible studies, singing with the choir and sometimes playing the piano. She made many sacrifices in order to help provide for her family even when funds were meager. Dorothy and Ray were proud to have celebrated 65 years of marriage.
After serving churches in Washington for over 40 years they retired in Tacoma and then moved to Centralia, WA. Ray passed away in 2005 and Dorothy continued to live in Centralia, later moving to Olympia.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Helen McRae and Margaret Causton, one grandchild and three great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children: Roberta (Al) Rise, Tonasket; David (Donna) Neiser, Napavine; Deborah (Mark) Haddock, Tumwater,; Timothy (Karla) Neiser, Everett; and Jon (Jennifer) Neiser, McCall, ID; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
A graveside memorial is scheduled for Wed., July 13 at 11AM at Claquato Cemetery in Chehalis where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband. A reception will follow at Cooks Hill Community Church in Centralia, WA. Visitation will take place Tues. 5-7 PM at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold in Centralia, WA. Memorial donations may be made to Cooks Hill Community Church, 2400 Cooks Hill Road, Centralia, WA 98531. Services are under the care of Sticklin Funeral Chapel, Centralia.
