Dorothy Jean Elder, born March 8, 1935 in Ephrata, WA, graduated to Heaven January 18, 2023. She lived in Quincy with her parents, Ralph and Bertha (Osborne) Spanjer until her marriage on July 30, 1952 to Vern L. Elder, US Navy, San Diego, CA. In March of 1955, upon Vern’s discharge from the Navy, they moved to Hartline.
Vern and Dorothy farmed outside of Hartline until retirement in November 1990, when they moved to Newman Lake.
Dorothy is survived by her husband Vern in Spokane Valley who celebrated 70 years last year with family. Children who survived are Steven and wife Pat Elder in Hartline; Gerald and wife Tami Elder from Germany; Kathy Elder in Spokane Valley; Tammy Graff in Spokane; and Kim Elder in Gilbert, AZ, thirteen beautiful grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren with many heart-adopted kids who fell in love with her when they met.
Other survivors are Dorothy’s sister; Gloris and husband Peter Frigeri, sister-in-law Shyla Evans and husband Harold, sister-in-law Linda Alexander, and seven nephews and two nieces.
Those who cared for Dorothy in her last two months described her as spunky and feisty. Dorothy died quietly in the loving care of Rhona and Anthony, owners of Good Heart AFH.
A Visitation is scheduled Tues., Jan. 24, 2023 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, 1306 N. Pines Rd., Spokane Valley, WA and the Graveside Service will be Thurs., Jan. 26, 2023 at Fairmount Memorial Park, 5200 W. Wellesley Ave., Spokane, WA at Noon.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HazenJaegerValley.com for the Elder family.
