Dorothy was the fifth of twelve children born to Roby Dawlson and Mary Adeline (Adams) Moose. She married Arvel James Elder in 1947 and they had three children: a son, who died in infancy, Mary Nancy, and a daughter, a daughter who died in infancy.

Hickory Daily Record, NC
Thursday, November 26, 1998

STONY POINT - Dorothy Moose Elder, 71, of Old Wilkesboro Road, Taylorsville, died Nov. 25, 1998.
Born Jan. 11, 1927, in Alexander County, she was a daughter of the late Roby D. "Sid" and Mary Adams Moose. A Lutheran, she was the owner of Elders Grocery in Taylorsville.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arvel Elder; six brothers, Clyde Moose, Glenn Moose, Roy Moose, Arthur Moose, Wayne Moose and Ray Moose; and two sisters, Lois Scersy and Christine Adams.
Survivors include a son, Dwight Mecimore of Taylorsville; a daughter, Mary Matheson of Taylorsville; three sisters, Betty Harrington and Irene Earp of Taylorsville and Elaine Patterson of Hiddenite; four grandchildren, Karen Loudermelk, Tina Bowman, James Mecimore and Suzanne Mecimore of Taylorsville; and two great-grandchildren, Kensley Loudermelk and Shana Loudermelk of Taylorsville.
The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Ray Ohlendorf at 2 p.m. Friday at Salem Lutheran Church. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
The family will be at the church from 7 to 8:30 tonight, and at the home of Mary Matheson, Jay Burke Road, Taylorsville, at other times.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Alexander County, 50 Lucy Echerd Lane, Taylorsville, N.C. 28681
Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The Charlotte Observer - North Carolina
November 26, 1998

TAYLORSVILLE - Dorothy M. Elder 71, died November 25, 1998. Funeral is 2 PM Friday at Salem Lutheran Church. Visitation is 7-8:30 PM Thursday at the church. Chapman Funeral Home is in charge.