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The Oregonian, Portland, OR., January 1, 2003, page C7
Includes portrait

DOROTHY MAY ELMER

Dorothy passed away December 21, 2002, at home in Portland at the age of 92. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, January 3, 2003, at the Tabor Heights United Methodist Church, 6161 SE Stark. A reception will follow at her home.
Dorothy was born May 10, 1910 to George and Stella Hutchinson. She attended Franklin High School, then graduated from business college. Her parents owned farmland as a young teen and she was given the choice of working the fields or cooking for the workers. She chose cooking, and so began, her introduction to the art that she would practice throughout her life.
She married Walter S. Elmer in 1931. They opened their first restaurant, Elmer's Milky Way, on 48th and Hawthorne. Dorothy provided Walter with recipes from her hospital bed during the birth of their second son. Child on hip and one in the playpen, she worked side by side with Walter to make the restaurant grow. The family estimates she baked well over three thousand cakes over many years.
Their next venture was opening a coffee shop in the Medical Arts building downtown. Then, in 1960, they took a big step and opened Elmer's Colonial Pancake and Steak House. Many of her recipes were used for the restaurant and Dorothy liked working as a hostess, greeting their many customers. As the Elmer's restaurant grew, she remained supportive, but her family was her utmost priority, with everyone gathering for Sunday dinners at home.
The family had a cabin at Government Camp for many great years. Dorothy learned to ski with her children and loved it. Grandchildren all received her famous chocolate cake for birthdays. She was active in the 50's in the Oregon State Sigma Nu Mothers Club, and remained an avid Beavers fan. She proudly pinned bars on her son, Bob, as he graduated a Lieutenant from Oregon State University.
She and Waltz celebrated their 40th, 50th, and 60th wedding anniversaries. They traveled frequently to Hawaii and Europe. In her later years, she thoroughly enjoyed her Bible study class, Pinochle, water aerobics at the spa, long lunches with friends, and watching almost any sporting event on TV. One of her favorite experiences was being in a TV commercial for Elmer's restaurant.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Walter, and eldest son, Robert. She is survived by two sons, Dale and Jim, their wives, Sandra and Jessie; daughter-in-law, Luigina; five grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.
Dorothy will be remembered for her special love and devotion to Walt during their 65 years of marriage and by her family for her love and support. She always showed compassion for others and a positive outlook on life. She was the foundation and subtle matriarch of the Elmer family. This lovely lady with the gorgeous white hair will be loved and missed by all those fortunate enough to have known her.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Red Cross or the Oregon Humane Society.