Dorothy Faulk

Dorothy was born in Gordon, Nebraska to her loving parents, Emil C. Rittscher and Carrie B. Fowler. She was one of five children in their family who were raised through the depression and moved out to Oregon after the family farm suffered setbacks from the harsh years of the dust bowl.

Dorothy attended and graduated from Sheridan High School, in Sheridan, Oregon. It was a few years later when Dorothy’s brother, Mel, was stationed at Camp Adair that he introduced Dorothy to Jeff Faulk. Dorothy and Jeff married in June of 1943, in Sheridan, OR.

After Jeff completed his service to his country, he and Dorothy both began their long and successful careers with General Telephone Company. Dorothy proudly committed over thirty years to General Telephone before retirement.

Dorothy was an accomplished cook, who never made a disappointing meal. She was well known for her fried chicken, which was homemade with buttermilk and bacon grease. This was one of her husband Jeff’s favorite meals and Dorothy’s favorite to make for him, even her beloved grandson has tried to replicate her work. She would cook her famous fried chicken along with many other family favorites. The holidays were always marked with a full kitchen of homemade baked goods, breads, and meals. Dorothy began the family tradition of making her delectable cinnamon rolls for each Christmas Day. Dorothy made incredible apple pies, fresh from the neighbor’s apple trees, pineapple upside-down cakes, and all other baked goods in between; her recipes did not just provide delicious meals but heartfelt memories as well.

Dorothy was not only a fantastic cook but a great homemaker. She made a beautiful home that was always decorated for the seasons. Dorothy was a loving and caring parent to her son, David, who knew to go to her first when he wanted something. Dorothy taught herself how to sew, and made much of her own clothing. David recalled fondly, that she was an elegant woman who dressed impeccably. She took pride in not only her home but herself as well, because she had much to be proud of in her life.

Dorothy always had a garden at her home. She and Jeff enjoyed planting all their own vegetables and an abundance of beautiful flowers. Dorothy loved to spend time in her garden and to see the blossoms of all their hard work. Dorothy would bring the garden inside as well and have fresh cut flowers throughout her home.

After her retirement Dorothy enjoyed many travels throughout the world. She visited relatives in Germany, and spent time in Switzerland. Jeff and Dorothy also took a bus tour through the United States to the East Coast, including a beautiful day spent at The Smithsonian. Every August, the family would pack up and head out to Arkansas to visit Jeff’s family. Many memories were made along the way from vehicle mishaps, lost checks, to accidently pitching the family tent in someone’s front yard. There were always memories to be made and cherished along their travels.

Dorothy was a proudly independent woman throughout her life and living on her own for many years after her beloved husband, Jeff, passed in 2005. Dorothy could be quiet in nature and loved to spend many hours reading. Even in failing eyesight she would dedicate her time to reading the newspaper each day. She never complained and was always in good spirits.

Dorothy will be remembered for countless reasons to her friends and family, but above all, she was a wonderful woman who was good to everyone. She was the best mom a son could ever ask for. She led a remarkable life filled with love and will be greatly missed.

Dorothy is survived by her beloved son, David (Barbara); grandson Jeff (Emily); and four wonderful grandchildren Jordan, Elia, Egan, and Isla.

A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday June 30, 2015 at 1:00pm at Willamette National Cemetery. Dorothy will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Jeff Faulk.

Following the service all are welcome to gather for a reception at Hearthstone At Murrayhill, Beaverton, OR.