Dorothy Jean Waddell

Dorothy was born on January 27, 1944, in Seattle, WA. At six months old, she was adopted by Theodore and Mira Schell and brought home to Ellensburg, WA. Her family moved several times before settling in Prosser, WA, where she graduated from Prosser High School in 1962. She later earned her Associate of Arts degree from Northwest College in Kirkland, WA, in 1966.

On July 6, 1968, Dorothy went on her first date with Loren Waddell Jr. Just six months later, on November 9, 1968, they were married. They shared 45 years of marriage until Loren’s passing in 2014.

In April 1973, Dorothy and Loren welcomed their son, Kenneth Paul, and she embraced her role as a stay-at-home mom. In July 1977, their daughter, Sarah Jean, was born, completing their family. Dorothy was a devoted mother who cared deeply for her children.

The family moved from Prosser to Sunnyside. Then to Spokane for a few years before settling back in Sunnyside, WA. Dorothy took a job with the Department of Social & Health Services, where she worked until her retirement. After retiring, she and Loren spent their time fishing, camping, and taking day trips. Their grandchildren, John and Anita, often joined them, learning to love the great outdoors just as Dorothy did.

Following Loren’s passing, Dorothy found joy in her growing family, doting on her grandsons, Teddy and Gary, and making frequent trips to visit her granddaughter, Olivia. In 2019, after 32 years in her home, she moved in with her daughter and son-in-law, where she continued to teach and share her faith. She took pride in helping her grandsons learn about Jesus, tending to the garden, and caring for the animals—including the occasional mini cow chase and chicken round-up.

Dorothy had a deep love for creativity and adventure. She enjoyed woodworking in her younger years, painting, drawing, and playing the guitar. Even while battling illness, she remained active, cheering on the boys' basketball team and never missing a game until she physically couldn’t attend. She found joy in gardening, searching for the most beautiful flowers, sipping a good McDonald’s senior coffee, and taking trips to the car wash.

A woman of strong faith, Dorothy dedicated years to teaching Sunday School and Children’s Church. She had a passion for sharing God’s word, often handing out tracts to strangers. She was instrumental in ensuring her grandsons, Teddy and Gary, attended Sunnyside Christian School, where she became known as “Grandma Dorothy.” She volunteered in the classrooms and the Parent Teacher Fellowship, continuing her work even through illness. Her legacy of faith and love for Christ will live on through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Later in life, Dorothy had the joy of reconnecting with her biological brother, Don Kreis, his wife, Vicki, and their children. Their reunion in Washington was filled with laughter, shared stories, and undeniable resemblances in both looks and personality. The bond they formed remained strong until her final goodbye.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Loren Paul Waddell Jr.; her parents, Theodore and Mira Schell; her brother, Ted Schell; her grandson, Jaxson Waddell; and many precious grandbabies and great-grandbabies who are lovingly remembered despite never having the chance to be held.

She is survived by her son, Kenneth Waddell, and his wife, Jana; her daughter, Sarah Stonemetz, and her husband, Aaron; her grandchildren: Olivia Waddell, John Tadlock, Anita Brandvold (Zach), Shayla Chrisp, Theodore, Gary, Lindsey (Nash), and Tyler Stonemetz; and many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Donald Schell (Star), newly found biological brother, Don Kreis (Vicki), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Neighborhood Assembly Church on  Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 11 a.m. A private inurnment with family will take place at a later date.

Dorothy deeply valued Christian education for her grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support Teddy and Gary’s continued Christian schooling or to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America in her honor. Those wishing to sign Dorothy’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  

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