Dorothy Beckendorf

Beckendorf is most known for the 14,353 hours of service she put into volunteering at the Tomball Regional Medical Center throughout a 37-year time period. She was asked by one of the doctor's wives to join an auxiliary of volunteers enabling her to work in different areas from the pharmacy to the X-ray department to transporting patients.

One day, the manager of the gift shop asked if she would want to work there, and it turned out to be the place she called her "most favorite place to work in the office." She started with a cart that would be put in the hallway and visitors would purchase items on the honor system. That grew into several gift shops in different parts of the hospital and finally a large one off the lobby after the hospital was remodeled.

Beckendorf said she enjoyed working in the gift shop because it gave her the opportunity to see people that she knew.

"I would help them select things, and if sometimes they came in and would have problems, we would have a prayer together," she said. "It gave me a satisfaction of helping people and visiting with them when they came in."

In addition to the hospital, Beckendorf has had a hand in a number of organizations, including the Spring Creek Historical Society and the Tomball Garden Club, and served as secretary-treasurer of the Addicks-Bear Creek Cemetery Association.

She also started a catering service with a friend at church for about three years that provided for different organizations such as the Lion's Club.

When Hillegeist thinks of Rose Hill United Methodist Church, he thinks of Beckendorf and her husband of 67 years, Elmer, who has quite a list of service accolades as well.

"She has been at his side in the community for more than 50 years, but in her own right, she deserves this honor," he said.

The Citizens of the Year award goes back to 1967 when the chamber aimed to recognize a person who served their church, school or community.

Hillegeist said Beckendorf is one of those people who believe in volunteerism as something that comes naturally.

"Dorothy Beckendorf's gift has been kindness and love and going beyond the community," he said.

Though Beckendorf has had hip surgery and walks with a cane, she said she is not letting it stop her from continuing with her volunteerism.

"I'm always willing to do something else," she said. "When you get older you want to slow down, but I don't want to. If there is something that comes up, I'll be glad to do some more."