DOROTHY JEAN (KING) “DOT” KUESTER
September 25, 1925 - May 9, 2022
Dorothy “Dot” Kuester passed peacefully from this life after a brief illness on May 9, 2022, surrounded by her family.
Dot was born September 25, 1925, in Britton, Oklahoma to Luther Benson King and Pauline Margaret King, the younger of two children. Growing up on a farm in the Great Depression instilled in her a strength of character that served her well throughout her life. After graduating from high school in Paris, Texas, she met William F. Kuester, a young soldier stationed at Camp Maxey. They dated briefly until Bill was assigned to the European Theater and corresponded regularly until he returned to the United States after sustaining a severe injury. They renewed their courtship when Bill returned and continued it during his long recovery. Dot and Bill were married September 1, 1944, in Topeka, Kansas. After Bill's discharge they moved to Bakersfield, California.
Dot and Bill started their family and bought their first and only house shortly after the birth of the first of their three children, where Dot lived for 74 years until her death. Dot was devoted to her family; she contributed to the household income by taking in ironing (for up to 32 families) and operating a day care service so she could remain at home with her own babies. Once her children were old enough, in 1969 she became one of the founding members of the Kern Medical Auxiliary and over more than 50 years she contributed thousands of hours of volunteer service. A member of St. Mark's Methodist Church in Oildale for more than six decades, Dot spent countless hours volunteering there and as a member of the United Methodist Women organization. She also served as a Girl Scout leader and was active in PTA at her kids' schools. Dot truly lived by her motto that “the secret to a long life is to keep moving and serve others.” However, she wasn't all work and no play. Bill and Dot had a wide circle of friends, and her children can relate numerous stories of card parties, New Year parties and other neighborhood social gatherings, as well as adventurous campouts. She started bowling as a teenager and enjoyed regularly participating in league bowling well into the 1980s. She loved playing card and board games but hated losing, which usually prompted from her a grumpy “whatever.”
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her older brother Luther Benson King, Jr., and her husband of 62 years, William F. Kuester. She is survived by her children (and spouses) Peggy L. Newburg (Forrest), Robert F. Kuester (Kris), and Julie A. Worthing (Michael), seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Dorothy J. Kuester will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12300 Reina Road, Bakersfield, CA 93312, with a brief reception to follow. Dot will be laid to rest next to Bill at Bakersfield National Cemetery in a private ceremony.