Dorotha B. Dory

Dorotha B. Dory, 88, longtime Moses Lake resident passed away Monday, March 8, 2010 at Columbia Crest Care and Rehab Center. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 18th at the Moses Lake First Presbyterian Church. Inurnment will be at Guarding Angels Cemetery Columbarium, Moses Lake. Dorotha Loewen Dory was born on May 15, 1921, in Watonga, Oklahoma, to John W. Loewen and Amelia Goerke Loewen. The youngest of five children, she was preceeded in death by brothers Victor O. Loewen and Arthur H.Loewen and sister Irma Smith. She is survived by her sister Orpha Powell of Dallas, Texas, as well as her children Charles Spires, John W. Spires, and Aimee Spires Owen, all of California. Dorotha had four grandchildren in California whom she loved dearly: Valerie Spires, David Tessmer, Michael Tessmer, and Jennifer Tessmer. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Dorotha graduated from Watonga High School in 1939 and from Oklahoma State University in 1943 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. One of her proudest accomplishments was earning her Masters of Music Education degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1948. After receiving her teaching credentials, she taught in various states and performed child care. Upon moving to Moses Lake, she became a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir for many years. She was also a former vice president of the Sunrise Kiwanis Club and for many years volunteered at the Moses Lake Senior Center. From 1981 to 1990 she performed child care for Anna and Joel Paul, children of Fred and Judy and has been considered a member of the family ever since. Her last years were spent living at Columbia Crest Care and Rehabilitation Center where she felt at home and well cared for. Dorotha had a life-long faith in God which sustained her through the difficult moments of her life. As age and worsening health advanced, she still prayed daily for all those whom she loved. Dorotha would like to be remembered as a writer of poetry, children’s stories and music. She had several poems published. Her final musical composition, a Christmas song, was completed in 2004. At the time of her death, Dorotha had many projects still “in the works”. She will be missed.

Dorotha B. Dory

May 15, 1921 - March 8, 2010