Dorothy Frances Rueff Huber, entered this life on October 10, 1921, and began eternal life on July 9, 2011, at age 89. Our sweet mother peacefully passed away of natural causes at home in the same way she lived, surrounded by her family.

Dorothy was a resident of Mission Viejo for over 45 years. As the eldest child of Gertrude and Frank Rueff, this native Kentucky girl helped raise her seven younger siblings during the Great Depression, often sewing them all beautiful clothes to wear with pride on special occasions. Dorothy was graduated with honors from Ursuline College in Louisville, Kentucky, and then married her USMC 'pen pal' Walter Lee Huber during WWII, and they were together for 66 happy years.

Dorothy was a Red Cross water safety instructor for 50 years and authored the book Baby Water Safe, and was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. She was a loving mother and friend, and a gracious, talented woman. Her social and creative outlets included being a sailing instructor, photographer, family historian, community event organizer, and she was also active in the Officer's Wives Club at every Marine base in which her family resided. She directed the annual Mission Viejo St. Patrick's Day Parade for 25 years and helped decorated the city's award-winning Rose Parade floats. She volunteered as Mrs. Claus during the holidays and rocked babies at the Orangewood Center. Dorothy enjoyed gardening, poetry, astronomy, world travel, crossword puzzles, swimming in the ocean and bird watching. Her Catholic faith and her devotion to the Blessed Mother were the essence of her being, and she kept that faith alive for her family by her own example of giving graciously of her time and energy, She was a regular churchgoer and made sure that her family attended Sunday Mass. Dorothy deeply loved her husband and family, as evidenced by her Sunday dinners, magical holidays, hugs and words of encouragement. She was the family backbone, the gentle voice of reason who kept the family compass on its true course. She was truly beautiful inside and out. Memories of Dorothy are of someone bright, cheerful, fun and quick to laugh, who provided love and care as part of her basic nature.

Now, Dorothy is back in the arms of her Marine, who preceded her in death in 2009. She is survived by seven children, 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

On Saturday, July 23, a Rosary will be recited at 9:30 am, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Kilian's Church in Mission Viejo. Her final resting place will be with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, one can make contributions in her memory to the American Red Cross, either for their Water Safety Program or for their programs supporting members of the military and their families, at www.redcross.org.