Dorothy LaVern Johns

     Dorothy lost her mother as a child but with two sisters and a loving dad plus uncles and aunts helping out, she grew to be a happy and fun loving person.

     She married her sweetheart, on March 22, 1951, who was in the Navy at the time and was looking forward to their lives together. Then they were involved in a terrible car accident that left Dad with broken bones and Mom being given her last rights shortly after their honeymoon.

     Our mom didn’t give up, she lived but was told they couldn’t have children. Again Mom and Dad proved them wrong with four beautiful babies, each a year apart!

     Family time was always busy, busy but they always found time to go camping, boating, and following Dad to construction sites in the summer living in RV camps or sometimes friends' back yards. Mom always held the fort down in winter and Dad would come home on weekends. She was a very strong, independent, hard working homemaker making sure that her children had food and clothes made by her, of course. We were happy!

After the empty nest finally happened, Mom and Dad still enjoyed traveling in their motorhome to Arizona for winters and back home in summers. Helping out whenever needed with their children's lives and with grandchildren as they came along. They both lived together for over 64 years.

     Mom became a widow in 2015 when she lost the love of her life, husband Orie Sr. Since then she has stayed in their home and has taken care of it till the age of 93 years. She always said that “I’m not moving from here till I’m 6 feet under!” She kept her word!!

     Mom loved working in the yard and flower beds, plus gardening and canning everything she could. In the winter she loved to crochet. She made a blanket for everyone including grand kids and was working on giving each grandkid one too (and almost did). In between blankets she made stocking hats, scarfs, and many  colored srcubbies for everyone who would take them home.

     She always had the best manners. No one who visited her left without being offered food or drinks. If they wanted it or not. Later on she had puzzles always out to entice family and friends to help her with. (Her little way of keeping visitors longer—no one can resist a puzzle, right!!)

     She is survived by her four children: Teresa, Sharon, Linda, Orie Jr plus eight grand kids and 18 great grand kids.

     A graveside service will be held for all family and friends Saturday, June 8th at 11 AM at Memory Memorial Park Cemetery, 6906 NE 144th St, Vancouver, WA (off 72nd Ave).

     Memories shared after service at the home of Orie Jr. in Ridgefield. Please join us.