Dorothy Louise Sorrell

Dorothy was born in Chehalis, Wash., Nov, 14, 1938, to Elmer and Virginia Rasmussen. She graduated from Chehalis High School in 1956. While attending a dance at Swede Hall in Rochester, she met her future husband, Stephen Sorrell. They married May 17, 1958.

Dorothy worked for the State of Washington for more than 30 years. She started at Green Hill School as a secretary and retired as a Resource Manager in the Fire Control Division of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). While working at DNR, she spent countless hours assisting in the containment of wildfires. After her retirement, she was asked to help out with other fires as far away as Florida.

She loved to travel and went on several cruises to Mexico, Alaska and South America,and traveled to Hawaii, Alaska,and Russia. In later years, she preferred to stay closer to home and loved to cruise around the country with her husband in their old cars. She was an active member of the Capitol City Vintage Car Club and arranged many car trips to interesting places throughout the Northwest.

Dorothy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, foster parent, aunt and friend for all who had the honor of knowing her. She was always ready to help out with a happy smile and a good meal. Dorothy was a good cook and loved to have family and friends over for a nice dinner or relaxing barbecue. She hosted exchange students from Japan, Germany and Russia and is lovingly referred to as their American mom and grandma.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Virginia Rasmussen; and son, Kirk Sorrell.

She leaves her husband, Stephen Sorrell; daughters, Julie (James) Miracle and Teresa (Tim) Bagan; son, Clyde (Brenda) Sorrell; grandson, Nathan Miracle; granddaughter, Karlie Bagan; brothers, George (Mary) Rasmussen, Allen (Colleen) Rasmussen and Gary (Nancy) Rasmussen; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved one-eyed Yorkie, Vinny.

Services will be held Saturday, September 24, 2016, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold Street, Centralia, Wash., to be followed by a potluck at Swede Hall in Rochester. Forever in our hearts. We love you and miss you!