Dona J. Dorsey

Dona Jean Dorsey age 86 of Outlook, WA. passed away on Monday, January 25, 2016 in Sunnyside, WA.. She was born May 21, 1929 in Sunnyside,WA to M.I. "Shorty" Schrantz and Frances Cromar Schrantz. In 1947 she married Keith Dorsey, and they made their home on their ranch in Outlook where he continues to live, growing Concord grapes and apples. Dona worked for many years as the secretary at Outlook School, "training" many fledgling principals in the ways of elementary education. She was a lifetime member of the Sunnyside Christian Church serving as church secretary as well as many other capacities. She was also a charter member of the Jr.Indelook Club in Outlook and formed many lifelong friendships with her fellow farm wives as they married,raised their children, and grew old together. Dona and Keith were also 60+ year members of the National Grape Co-op. Dona was an excellent baker who was never happier than when she was in her own kitchen teaching her grandchildren how to make sour cream twists, pecan tarts, or cutting out sugar cookies for Christmas. Her legendary pies, cakes, and other treats were always the first to disappear from the buffet tables. After her retirement she became an avid gardener and filled her yard and home with beautiful roses, mums, and flowers of all kinds.  She and Keith were able to travel to many places, and her favorite was always the Oregon Coast where they spent many happy vacations. But by far the most important thing in Dona's life was her husband of 68 years, Keith, who lovingly and patiently cared for her during her 10-year struggle with Alzheimer's disease.  She met him at age 18 and from then on he was her partner, her rock, and her guide through life.The family would like to especially thank Ofelia Espinoza, her caretaker for the past few years, as well as the Total Care CNA's who took weekend duty, everyone at Just Like Home, and finally the caring employees at Prestige Care.
Dona is survived by her husband Keith, daughter Jill Hilmes and her husband Steve of Yakima, daughter Gay and her husband Mike Poppoff of Yakima, and son Jeff Dorsey and his wife Janice of Grandview, plus 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Donella Evans and her husband Karl of Yachats, OR, and sisters-in-law Jean Dorsey of Prosser and Myra Dorsey of Sunnyside.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside, WA. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 29, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside followed by burial at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens.  Memorials may be sent to the Outlook Volunteer Fire Department, the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org or the charity of your choice. Those wishing to sign Dona’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home Ltd and Crematory in care of arrangements.

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