Linda Gail Dozier

Linda Gail Dozier passed away on October 4 at the age of 85. Recently of Murrieta California, she was born and raised in Ellensburg, Washington. She was the daughter of Hazel and Clarence Anderson, part of the prominent Anderson Hay farming family. An avid horsewoman throughout her youth, Linda proudly served as Ellensburg Rodeo Queen and returned home yearly for the Rodeo and Kittitas County Fair.

After attending Central Washington University and graduating from the University of Washington, she served as reporter for the Daily Republic in Yakima, Washington before moving to Southern California to join the Public Relations department of Western Airlines, eventually serving as Director of Public Relations.

A career highlight was overseeing the restoration of the airline’s original 1926 M-2 biplane aircraft, and a cross-country flight of the vintage plane for its placement in the National Museum of Air and Space in Washington, D.C. She attended USC Annenberg School while at Western, and earned an MA in Communication Management. It was also during this time that, through their shared love of aviation, she met Tom Dozier. They married in 1978, and he predeceased her in 2004.

Following her time at Western Airlines, Linda worked at Berkheimer and Klein and then ARCO as Director of Corporate Communication during which time she enjoyed traveling throughout the world to create their award winning annual report for investors. Community service was integral to her life and she served on many boards of community and professional organizations over the years.

In retirement, Linda moved to the Inland Empire. She taught communications at the University of California Riverside and became deeply invested in the Rotary Club of Murrieta, where she met many good friends including Dennis McCarbery, her companion of recent years. Linda was particularly involved in the annual Murrieta Field of Honor event saluting military veterans in the community. She was also an active member of Revival Christian Fellowship, Lambs Fellowship, and a volunteer and board member with the Santa Rosa Plateau. Linda gathered friends and experiences throughout the community, contributing joy and leadership wherever she engaged.

Linda was an avid international traveler. She volunteered for medical relief trips to Indonesia, and took adventures to Vietnam, Israel, Norway, Turkey, Scotland, Africa, and -- just this April – Japan.

An animal rescue champion, Linda was especially drawn to senior animals in need of adoption and always had two or three dogs and a cat at home.

In addition to Tom and Dennis, Linda is predeceased by brothers Dick, Jerry and Ron Anderson. She is survived by daughters Colinda Cole-French of Boston and Susie Buschur of Anchorage, as well as grandchildren Devin, Sarah, William, Timothy, and Catherine.

Linda was diagnosed in 2012 with Multiple Myeloma, and was grateful to all those involved in her care.

The family welcomes contributions made in her name to The Rotary Foundation which helps Rotary members “to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.” https://my.rotary.org/en/donate

A memorial service will be held on Saturday 10/10/2026 at 11am at Lake Hills Community Church in Lake Elsinore CA.