Dorothy Ruth Gambill

No, Dorothy was not married that many times. She had quite a life, beginning with the tragic loss of her parents dying at a young age (Glenn and Vera Jaquay). Missionaries, Horace and Cora Peterson, adopted Dorothy at age 4. The journal that Dorothy’s biological Mom left her was a treasured keepsake. Dorothy was the most creative person ever. Her artistic expression, love of travel and fascination exploring different places and cultures gave both Dorothy and others who knew her joy in life. Her designs were even used on the cover of the publication at the design school she attended, Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles. She was a master gardener and an extraordinary cook, having studied at Le Cordon Bleu. Her grandchildren loved her holiday dinners, not only because of the food, but because they also got a few sips of wine to toast. Dorothy will forever be remembered for her inimitable beef stew, salad dressing, and lemon meringue pie recipes. She was an accomplished seamstress and made beautiful clothes for her grandchildren. She then learned to quilt and created beautiful, treasured keepsakes. In her later years, she started painting in oils, then watercolors, winning the “Most Popular Painter” in an art show (because her family attended and stuffed the ballot box). She painted portraits of all of her children and grandchildren and was working on a painting of one of her great grandchildren shortly before her death. Dorothy served as a true patriot’s wife, being the wife staying behind with the children as her first husband served our country. However, it was Lt. Colonel Charles Gambill, another high military officer, who truly let Dorothy know she was loved and treasured. Charles’ family left a lifelong embrace of Dorothy through her last moments. Thank you, Gambill family, for your unselfish and genuine care. Dorothy, 98, died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on June 13, 2024. Dorothy is survived by her three sons: Harvey Hogue (Mary); Steven (Carol); Patrick (Judy) and a stepdaughter who was more than a daughter could ever be, Gretchen Sukow (David); along with 7 grandchildren: Ashley Van der Waag (Warren); Alicia Conrad (Matt); Elizabeth Hogue; Brett Hogue (Priscilla), Lora Hogue, Karl Sukow and Ingrid Sukow and 9 great grandchildren. Dorothy treasured her longtime friend, Ellen Manckia, who was always by her side. There will be a celebration of life at 1pm on Tuesday, June 25th, at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road, Richmond, VA, with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow at 2pm at Westhampton Cemetery, 10000 Patterson Ave.