Dorothy "Cleo" Cutler

Dorothy "Cleo" Cutler, 87 of Corpus Christi, Texas stepped into her eternal reward on Wednesday, February 20, 2002. She longed to be released from this world so that she could be present with her Lord. Those who celebrate this hope with her are certain that she is dancing before the throne of heaven today. Born Dorothy Cleo Grasmuck, on December 6, 1914, to Charlie and Mary Estell Grasmuck in Corpus Christi, she was the second of five children. Growing up, she spent a number of summers picking cotton in the fields around Rodd Field Road where subdivisions now stand. As a child, Cleo attended public schools in Corpus. A single horse often served as their transportation to the Sunshine School and she was proud to have graduated from the original Corpus Christi High School in 1932. Until just a few years ago, she enjoyed attending Sunshine School reunions. For months following the reunions, she would speak of her childhood friends. In 1933 at age 18, she married William F. "Bill" Cutler, Jr. For a short time following their marriage, they made their home in a tent along Ocean Drive before moving into an apartment. Cleo worked in their home to make the food budget stretch as Bill endeavored to establish the business. Though she enjoyed the lives of her three surviving children, she was forever changed by the death of her second child in 1941. Gail Lynn lived only 3 months due to complications from spina-bifida. Gail Lynn's life had two profound affects on Cleo. First, it had an impact on her spiritual perspective. The hope of heaven was like a seed that took root and blossomed in the years to come. It penetrated every aspect of her existence. She not only wanted to spend eternity in heaven with Gail Lynn, but she wanted to spend eternity in heaven with ALL of her relatives. This became her mission. Over time, her life became a prayer offering on behalf of her family. Her experience with Gail Lynn also led Cleo to pursue a degree in nursing. As an LVN, she joyfully served patients at Spohn Hosptial, in private practice with Dr. James L. Barnard, Sr. and finally at a nursing home. Bill and Cleo's first church family was at Prescott Christian Church. After experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit at a CFO Camp, they began to worship at 1st Assembly of God. She was also an active member and leader in Aglow Fellowship International. Later, Cleo worshipped at Faith Temple and finally at Corpus Christi Christian Fellowship. As she became more house bound, the television ministry of the Church of Acts strengthened her. She had a steadfast love and devotion to each of her pastors and was grateful for the role that each of them played in her spiritual development. After Bill's death in 1976, Cleo operated Cutler's Keys & Safes, Inc. and Cutler's Schwinn Cyclery, Inc. until her retirement. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many. Cleo taught others by her example. She opened her home to family and friends who needed a place to stay. Her home was a refuge and place of restoration for all that visited. She had the gift of discernment and exhortation. Those who spent time with her were often touched by her ability to make each person feel special. She was preceded in death by her cherished daughter Gail Lynn Cutler, her beloved husband W.F. Cutler, Jr., her brother Charles "Buster" Grasmuck, her sister Elsie Johnston and her nephew Charles Allen. She is survived by her faithful son Doyle (Evelyn Silvia) Cutler of Davis, California; her loyal daughter Cecilia (Gordon) Bonham of Green Cove Springs, Florida; her devoted daughter Judie (Bob) Richardson of Corpus Christi, Texas; her brother Wallace (Gen) Grasmuck of Dallas, Texas; her sister Helen Nolan of Corpus Christi, Texas; her sister-in-law Albina Grasmuck of California; and brother-in-law R.C. "Rolla" Cutler of Tarpley, Texas. She was also blessed to know her 8 grandchildren and her 18 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2002 at Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Seaside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, you may choose to make memorial donations to the VistaCare Foundation (a hospice organization), 5656 South Staples, Suite 350, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411.