Dorothy Bess Truax

July 29, 1922 – Oct. 22, 2016

Dorothy B. Truax passed away on October 22, 2016 from natural causes. She was 94 years old. Born July 29, 1922 In Spokane, Washington to proud parents, Fred and Agnes Hart.

She moved to Seattle and went to Queen Ann HS with her brother and 3 sisters. The family then moved to Port-land where she attended and graduated from Washington HS.

Dorothy met the love of her life, Jim Truax, at a dance in Portland. Dancing was one of the great joys of their lives and they had the opportunity to dance together for the 73 years of their married life.

They were married on August 1, 1941 in San Francisco, just before Jim was deployed. Dorothy followed him around the country, from army base to army base until he was shipped overseas.

Dorothy was a stay at home Morn until her three kids were off to work and school. She then went to work at Montgomery Wards in their sales department and retired in 1975.

She loved her children and grandchildren more than anything and was supportive in everything they did. There was no better cheer leader than Dorothy.

Family get-togethers were so special to her. As our families grew, Christmas mornings at her house was always a major event. Later, as her grandchildren grew older, special Christmas family vacations were celebrated every other year, alternating between Mexico and Maui. There were no Christmas presents shared, as the trip and the family being together was the present.

Dorothy loved parties and laughed all the time. She loved games and sports, particularly playing board and card games, golf, the dog races and attending college and Blazer basketball games.

Dorothy and Jim had a motor home and traveled the country for years. They would leave Portland around the r of January and come home by Easter, and they did it without a cell phone or GPS. Eventually visiting nearly every state in the country and venturing into Mexico numerous times.

The family beach house in Gleneden Beach was their regular getaway respite, with friends and family. The big 4th of July holiday, when the whole family would gather, was one of the highlights of each year for her.

Dorothy is survived by her three children, Jim (Pam). Anne (Mick) Ellett and Robert (Susan) and her seven grandchildren. Robby, Jenn, Garrett, Johnny, Grant, Justin and Courtney, who she called the magnificent seven, and nine great-grandkids.

She is in heaven now with Dad and the family has heard through the grapevine that they have their first dance contest.

A celebration of life will be held, 2pm. Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Gateway little Chapel of the Chimes, 1515 NE 106th Avenue, Portland, OR 97220.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that remembrances and donations in Dorothy's name be made to: Providence Hospice Donation, 6410 NE Halsey St., Portland, OR 97213 or the Juvenile Diabetes Association at: JDRF, 7000 SW Hampton. Suite 101, Portland, OR 97223.

James E. Truax

July 02, 1918 - Aug. 28, 2015

James E. Truax passed away Aug. 28, 2015 from natural causes. He was 97 years old. He was born July 2, 1914, in Mobridge, SD.

He graduated from South Gate High School in Los Angeles and then attended trade school for two years before moving to Portland in 1937. In Portland, he met his wife of 73 years, Dorothy Hart. He and Dorothy loved to dance and in fact, he met his future bride at a dance at the famous McElroy's Ballroom. Ile married Dorothy Aug. 1, 1941, in San Francisco prior to being deployed.

He joined the U.S. Army in September 1940 and spent 14 months with the 162nd Medics. He had signed a special contract and was released from service and then was drafted in April 1942 and assigned to an aircraft unit, sent to school, became an operations non-commissioned officer and master gunner technical sergeant with the 516th AAA Gun Battalion and honorably discharged in October 1945.

He was a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service retiring after 25 years at the age of 55 and subsequently investing in several real estate income properties. His activities included all sports and coaching. At South Gate High School, he lettered in basketball and baseball. Later in Portland, he coached Gray-Y and little league teams, involved with Indian Guides and was cub master for the Cub Scouts.

He was a sensational horse shoe player and a good golfer, shooting in low 80s. He loved getting everyone together at the family beach house in Gleneden Beach, especially over the Fourth of July holiday, where each year we would celebrate his birthday. Family was the most important part of his life and for many years, all 15 of us would travel over the Christmas holidays to either Mexico or Maui. Memories that none of the family will ever forget.

He and Dorothy bought a motorhome (RV) and every winter said good-bye to their children and grandchildren and traveled for three or four months. They were able to visit most states and visit Mexico, several times in Baja California. In their RV, they traveled the circumference of the U.S. Jim's word to the wise was, "Don't drive your motor home into New York City." He was very active with his church serving as a usher for many years at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Parkrose. He and Dorothy also delivered regular meals to the parish members who needed that type of assistance.

Jim is survived by his children, Jim (Pam), Anne Ellett (Mick) and Rob (Susan); seven grandchildren, whom he called "the Magnificent Seven;" and nine great-grandchildren. His last years were spent living at Cherry Blossom Cottage assisted living facility. The family appreciates the fine care he received while there.

A Mass in his honor was held Sept. 3. 2015. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. He will he buried in Willamette National Cemetery. Jim was the leader of the pack, and we will miss him!

Remembrances may he made to the charity of your choice. Please visit gatewaylittlechapel.com to share memories and leave condolences for family.