Dottie Lee Clark

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Dottie Lee Clark, who peacefully passed away on July 14, 2026, at the age of 99, surrounded by the love of her daughters and granddaughters.

Born on January 29, 1927, in Yellville, Arkansas, to Frederick "Fred" Mears and Lillian Ott Mears, Dottie carried the values of hard work, generosity, and devotion to family throughout her life. She eventually made Washington her home, but her Southern hospitality never wavered.

Her kitchen was always open, her table always welcoming, and food was her love language. Whether it was her legendary biscuits and gravy, homemade pies, or simply asking, "Have you eaten?" Dottie made sure no one ever left hungry.

Grandma lovingly taught granddaughter Renee how to make her famous recipes so family traditions could continue for generations to come, although Renee is the first to admit they will never taste quite as good as Grandma's. Jenny was also by her side, learning her legendary pie crust and peanut brittle recipes.

Summer days were spent in Dottie's cherry orchard, where loved ones climbed trees, ran through sprinklers, rode bikes, and made lifelong memories. Rachel and Jenny spent countless hours proudly mowing the orchard for Grandma, and she loved watching them almost as much as they loved doing it for her.

Dottie wore every hat imaginable throughout her life. She was a devoted wife, an exceptional mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, chef, chauffeur, nurse, confidante, and talented seamstress. She faithfully made countless school drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups, always making time each morning to curl her granddaughter Kristen's hair, ensuring every strand was in place before she left for school.

Grandma found joy in life's simplest moments. She loved picking Kristen and Rachel up from school for trips to Eli & Kathy's for hamburgers and fries, turning a quick lunch into one of their favorite traditions.

Her bed was never empty. As her children grew up, it wasn't uncommon to find all three of them piled into bed with both her and Raymond, somehow making room for three children and two adults in a full-sized bed. That tradition didn't end with her children. As grandchildren, Rachel, Kristen, Renee, and Jenny all found their way into Grandma's king-size bed over the years.

Rachel never missed an opportunity to sneak in beside Grandma and press her ice-cold feet against her warm back. That was simply who our Grandma was. She was warmth.

To say Dottie loved her family would be an understatement. She shared an unbreakable bond with her eldest daughter, Milladeen, who lovingly cared for her for decades, and with her daughter Melinda, her trusted confidante and constant source of laughter. She is now joyfully reunited with her beloved son, David, undoubtedly showering him with hugs and kisses once again.

Dottie leaves behind generations who are better because she loved them. She is lovingly survived by her daughters, Milladeen Clark and Melinda Kropf; her grandchildren, Rachel Clark, Kristen Lorenz (JuJu Campbell), Renee Traversie (Zack Traversie), and Jennifer Lee Clark, who was proudly named in honor of Dottie; her treasured great-grandchildren, Landen Campbell, Odin and Rae Traversie; her sister, Mary Heinle; her brother, Jim Mears (Pat Mears); and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched simply by knowing her.

She was joyfully welcomed into Heaven by her beloved husband, David Raymond Clark, who is now dancing with her to their song, "Sentimental Journey"; her son, David Clark; her son-in-law, Michael Kropf; her parents; her cherished siblings, Guyla, Bonnie, and Fred; and many beloved family members and friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Lane of Grandview, whose unmatched care for Dottie spanned many years, and to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Prosser Memorial Hospital for the exceptional compassion and care they provided to Dottie and her family during her final days.

The world feels a little less warm without our mom and grandma in it, but the love she poured into her family will continue long after us. She was the heart of our family, our greatest example of unconditional love, and our home.

Forever remembered. Forever missed. Forever loved. Forever our Mom. Forever our Grandma.

There will be no formal funeral service.  Inurnment will be in the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Sunnyside, WA    Those wishing to sign Dottie’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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