Nylarae Margaret Dorrheim

NylaRae Margaret Dorrheim, 81, peacefully departed this life to be with the Lord on March 10, 2025, in Carrollton, Texas. She was born on December 18, 1943, in Mandan, N.D. and was the youngest daughter of James Joseph and Iola Rose Gillen. She loved Jesus, and her loving spirit and warm heart will forever be remembered by all who knew her.

NylaRae completed her education from 1st to 12th grade in Elgin, N.D., where she excelled in various activities. She was a cheerleader, played on the basketball and track teams, sang in the choir, was a member of the Drama club, and played snare drum in the band. Outside of school she loved to ice skate, go horseback riding, and take care of her animals which was evident throughout her life, as she always had a special bond with them.

Following her High School graduation, NylaRae was accepted into Flight Attendant school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and graduated in September 1961, receiving job offers from Northwest Airlines. During a visit back home, she met Milton Dorrheim, who was on leave from the navy visiting home. They began dating and got married in 1962. NylaRae embraced her role as a navy wife for 20 years. While raising three children, she was active on the Squadron softball team, bowling leagues, and was active in the Navy wifes club. At the age of 30, she was presented with a job opportunity at the Navy Exchange by a Hallmark card representative. This opportunity led to her managing 16 Walgreen stores for 10 years in the San Francisco Bay Area.

After Navy retirement, our family moved to Austin, TX, in 1982, where she found great joy in her first home. She cherished her many friendships, enjoyed entertaining, loved Jewelry, played Bunco, traveling, her animals, listening to R&B music, going to the casino, and sharing lots of laughter. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she adored being called "Gramz", while her great-granddaughter affectionately referred to her as "Granny."

NylaRae was preceded in death by her brother, Rodney Gillen; her brother, Bradley Gillen; her sister, Jamee Gillen; and both of her parents.

NylaRae is survived by her sister, Dani Gillen of Seattle, WA, her daughters, DarciRae (John) Ortiz of Carrollton, TX, and Deena Dorrheim-Maxwell of Austin, TX; her son, Darren Dorrheim of Cedar Park, TX; four grandchildren, Amber Ortiz, Shelton Dorrheim, Brianna Ortiz, Carly Maxwell; and one great-granddaughter, Milani Rose Ortiz.

We are truly grateful for the compassionate and lovely care you all provided for our mother at Carrollton Gardens and Sparrow Hospice. Thank you so much.

A funeral service for NylaRae will be held Friday, April 11, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Metrocrest Funeral Home, 1810 N PERRY RD, CARROLLTON, TX 75006.