Dorothy Mae Simon

Heaven received a beautiful daughter on October 25, 2026, as Dorothy “Dottie” Mae Simon, wife of the late Dale Simon of Tekoa, released her earthly life to join her Savior, Jesus Christ, for eternity. She passed away peacefully, at the age of 93, at her place of residence in Spokane, Washington.

Dorothy was born on September 2, 1933, in Akron, Colorado, to Loren & Minnie Rider. At the age of six, she moved with her family to St. Ignatius, Montana, where she spent her childhood, along with her five siblings. Dorothy married her high school sweetheart, Dale Simon, on September 9, 1951. In 1959, they moved to Tekoa, Washington, where they raised their seven children.

During sixty-five years of marriage, Dorothy cared for her husband and family with strength, joy, humor, and ever-enduring love. She lived out her love with constant preparation of delicious food for the family, even into her 80s, and years spent canning and freezing homegrown garden produce and fruit. She worked endless hours in the lovely flower beds surrounding their home. Dorothy also loved to sew and craft as she made clothes, costumes, and doll clothes for her children; beautiful dresses for her granddaughters; vests for her grandsons; and “quillows“ (quilts that fold into pillows) for her grandchildren. She also sewed many square-dance skirts and blouses for herself to match Dale’s shirts. She and Dale cherished their years of square dancing and the friendships that ensued. Dorothy showed unwavering support, attending hundreds of school, sporting, and community events for Dale, her kids, grandkids, and even great-grandkids. Compassion was another strength, as she often stood up for others when needed. She had a passion for studying the Bible at home and for attending church and Bible studies, where she found many beloved friends. She loved to discuss God’s word with her family as she worked in the kitchen and would laugh at herself when someone noticed she was talking with her hands, while still holding the paring knife. She also enjoyed selling Avon for many years. She tirelessly provided above and beyond what it took to keep the family smiling and thriving!

Dorothy was preceded to heaven by her husband, Dale Simon (2016), and her son, Jerry Simon (2020). Her family of seven children has grown to include 19 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. She leaves behind the following children and their families: Duane (Sharron) Simon of Rathdrum, Idaho, daughter-in-law Cathy Simon of Ephrata, Washington, Janet (Garry) Now of Valleyford, Washington, Gene Simon of St. Maries, Idaho, Susan (Scott) Huntley of Highland, California, Julie (Bruce) Widman of Fairfield, Washington, and Ray (Regina) Simon of Valleyford, Washington. Dorothy is also survived by the following two of her five siblings: Judy Fitzner of Missoula, Montana and Bonnie Gehlhausen of Wallula, Washington. As Dorothy’s family cherishes memories of her as a loving and excellent wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, we are also thankful for the peace, love, freedom, and life she is now experiencing in the Lord. A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, November 15, at 1:30 PM, at Hazen and Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, 1306 North Pines Road, Spokane Valley, WA. Following the service, please join us for a meal and fellowship in the banquet hall. Memorial gifts may be given to the Latah Country Bible Church, P.O. Box 79, Latah, Washington 99018.