CROMER, Dorothy Elizabeth

Published: Tuesday, July 9, 2002 12:00 AM CDT in the Willcox Range News, Willcox, Arizona. "Dorothy Elizabeth Hines Cromer 1910-2002 Dorothy Elizabeth Hines Cromer, died Friday, July 5, in Flagstaff, a the age of 91. She was born Oct. 15, 1910 in Blackwell, Texas. Dorothy moved to Arizona in 1911, one year before statehood. She lived in Phoenix, Safford, and Johnson before her family settled in Willcox in 1912. She grew up in the ranching community of Willcox where she attended grammar school and graduated from Willcox High School in 1928. After high school, she went to Arizona State Teachers College in Flagstaff. She graduated in 1932 and was a four-year letterwoman in tennis. She was the first president of Mad Hatters which later became Delta Delta Delta. She taught second grade in Willcox for two years. June 1, 1934, she married Sturgeon Cromer in Willcox. Because she was married to a teacher, she was not allowed to continue her teaching career. They lived in Globe from 1934 -1947 where Sturgeon taught, coached and became the high school principal. They moved back to Flagstaff June 1, 1947 where Sturgeon became superintendent of schools. Dorothy had many wonderful friends for whom she cared deeply. She loved to play bridge and enjoyed her many friends she visited on a daily basis. Dorothy grew up in old Arizona in a time that was different from today. She had wonderful stories of her childhood in Willcox. She is survived by her son Mike and his wife Sarah. She loved her grandchildren: Carrie, Joe, Chuck and Jeni. Dorothy's brother Joe still lives in Willcox. Graveside services will be today, Wednesday, July 10, at Citizen's Cemetery in Flagstaff. A reception will follow at Mike and Sarah Cromer's home beginning at noon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Sturgeon and Dorothy Cromer Scholarship Fund at Northern Arizona University. Arrangements are under the direction of Norvel Owens Mortuary in Flagstaff."