Dorothy and Hayward had three children, Linda, Alan and Brad. During this period, Dorothy studied photography and began working as a freelance photographer for the Sunday "Home and Garden" magazine section of the Herald American Newspaper (which served seven different communities in Los Angeles). Dorothy was an active member of the American Begonia Society in Los Angeles, and was always active in the kids' scouting groups, Little League Baseball, and the like.
      As Hayward began to retire from the business, Hayward and Dorothy purchased a fruit ranch in Southern Utah, and built a home there. In mid-1977, Hayward suffered a major stroke, and died in early 1978. A few months later, Dorothy, then 57 years old, began taking art classes at the local community college. This hobby began to blossom, and Dorothy won several local art awards, including "Best of Show" in the art competition at the Washington County Fair.
      Eventually, Dorothy moved back to California to be near her children and grandchildren. In 1995, she moved to Washington State, as her kids Alan and Linda, and their respective families, moved there.