Dorothy Esther Steigerwalt Cahill

She was born March 5, 1922 to Frank and Mary Cox Steigerwalt in Payette, ID. She was the youngest daughter following sisters Florence and Helen. She graduated from Payette High School in 1940 and Albion State Normal School in 1942. She began her teaching career as a first grade teacher at Sunnyside School in Weiser.

She married Jim Cahill, Jr. on June 1, 1943 and became an extraordinary farm wife and mother. Their partnership of 52 years of marriage was a model for many. She was a fantastic cook and enjoyed baking her “Hot Water Cake” for birthdays into her 90’s. She followed her mother’s passion for flowers and took great pride in her lawn and flowerbeds, especially for Memorial Day. She was a member of the Payette Green Garden Gals for over 60 years.

With her sisters, Florence and Helen, she shared much laughter and many conversations, sprinkled with a few trips. She loved college football, always supporting her grandchildren’s alma maters, but a true Idaho Vandal’s fan.

She was a life-long member of the Payette First Baptist Church, where she was very active in Sunday School and Missions.

Dorothy is survived by her children; Barry (Susan) Cahill, Julie (Bruce) Kerner, and daughter-in-law Donna Marie Cahill. She is also survived by her grandchildren Sean (Kierstan) Cahill of Dayton, OH; Kim (Andy) MacKillop of Nevada City, CA; Nicole (Weston) Keisel, Boise, ID; Katie Cahill, Boise, ID; Shane, Dana and Sam Kerner, Weiser, ID; eight great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim; son, David; and sisters Florence and Helen.

A viewing will be held from 6 – 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 25th at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 26th at the First Baptist Church in Payette. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Payette. Condolences may be made to Dorothy’s family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.

Memorials may be made to Payette First Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society, in care of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.