Jean Dorsey

Betty Jean Dorsey (Jean), age 96, passed away peacefully April 10th at her home in Prosser. She was surrounded by her family, and listening to her favorite Hawaiian music.

 A childhood polio diagnosis helped shape Jean’s optimistic approach to life. She always chose to be defined by what she could do rather than what she could not. This philosophy served her well.

Following her marriage to Kermit Dorsey in 1947, the couple turned a barren 80 acres into a thriving concord grape vineyard. They were instrumental founders of the Enological Society in Prosser—always interested in the burgeoning wine industry. 

 They built a beautiful home surrounded by show-case gardens, raised a family, and traveled the world. They looked forward to their yearly trip to Hawaii to enjoy palm trees, sunshine, and gathering with family and friends. 

 Jean was a prolific gardener, artist, musician and golfer. After 66 years on the ranch and Kermit’s passing, Jean moved to a condo in Prosser and started a new chapter with her pal, Ms. Kitty. Embracing technology, she became nimble with Zoom, regularly FaceTimed with family on both east and west coasts and gleefully followed friends on Facebook to keep track of the latest news. 

 She made new friends and delighted in riding her ‘hup-mobile’ around the neighborhood to catch up with her neighbors.

 Jean was much loved by her family, extended family and friends. She appreciated her full and satisfying life and inspired us all with a life well lived.

In Jean’s own words: “We had a ‘grape’ 66 years watching our kids, grandkids and great-grandkids mature into adults. We traveled the continents, wintered in Hawaii and saw how the rest of the world looked. But we always agreed, there’s no place like home.”--Jean Dorsey

Jean is survived by her son Lynn Dorsey (Karen), granddaughters Michelle Taylor and Kate Leonard (John), grandson Andrew Dorsey (Cheryl) and great-grandchildren Kelsey, Chase, Jack and AJ Taylor, Gwen and Addie Leonard.

She is also survived by her daughter, Joanne Otness, grandson Dan Otness (Lisa), granddaughter Leah Moore (Randy), great-grandsons Mack and Brody Otness and Mason and Myles Moore.

 Also surviving are brother-in-law Keith Dorsey (Kermit’s twin brother), sister-in-law Myra Dorsey, nieces Jill Dorsey, Gay Dorsey (Mike), nephews Mike Dorsey (Lori) and Jeff Dorsey (Janice). 

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA. Private Family Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside, WA.  Memorial Service will be on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11:30 a.m.  at the Bethany Community Church in Grandview, WA. Followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon at Snipes Mountain Brewery and Restaurant in Sunnyside, WA.   In lieu of flowers, contribute to the Seattle Children's Hospital Foundation P.O. Box 5371 M-S 818-S Seattle, WA  98145  Those wishing to sign Jean's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. 

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