Dorselene Ann Watson

Mom was a wonderful, loving, and strong woman whose presence was a blessing to all who knew her. There is so much we will miss about her. She was always there when we needed her most, offering unwavering support, gentle wisdom, and love in abundance. She lived her life with strength, courage, and compassion, and her love for her family was the foundation of everything she did. One of her favorite sayings was, “Let it be,” a simple but powerful reminder of faith, acceptance, and trust in God’s plan.

Our beloved mother deeply missed our dad after his passing in 2020. We find comfort in knowing they are now reunited in heaven, along with their two babies who passed shortly after birth, and many other cherished family members and dear friends.

Dorselene was born in Pittsburg, Oklahoma, on February 12, 1937. In her early years, her family traveled what she fondly called the “Fruit Belt,” following seasonal work. She remembered living in a labor camp when she first came to the Yakima Valley—what is now Ahtanum Youth Park. Later, one of those small cabins became their home on Adams Street. Even in those humble beginnings, seeds of resilience, faith, and determination were planted in her heart.

As a young woman, she longed to grow beyond the expectations placed upon her and dreamed of a life where she could follow her own path. Through challenges and uncertainty, she held onto hope and faith, believing that God would make a way forward. That quiet strength carried her through many seasons of life.

Mom attended Yakima High School but left before graduating to help raise her younger siblings, selflessly putting family first. During that time, she worked at Del Monte and took on various jobs. Her perseverance never wavered, and years later, she fulfilled a personal goal by earning her GED in 1995—a testament to her determination and belief in never giving up.

Our dad, Kenny, was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. While there, his company traveled to Yakima to serve as extras in the movie “To Hell and Back,” starring Audie Murphy. During that visit, he saw Dorselene walking past a local diner and told his best friend, Levi Smith, “She’s going to be my wife.” Just three months later, on December 18, 1954, mom married at the young age of 17 and dad was 22. Their love story was one of devotion, faith, and enduring commitment.

They moved to Kentucky, where our dad was from, but after the heartbreaking loss of their first child, Karen Ann, they returned to Yakima in 1956. Later, in 1960 their child Lynn Adrian Watson passed away. Through both joy and sorrow, they leaned on their faith and on one another, building a life rooted in love as they raised their children.

Mom worked many jobs throughout her life, always with dedication and integrity. She was employed at Baily’s Jean Factory, worked as a bookkeeper at Tree Top and with Cresci & Holman Tax Services, and spent many years working for Clarence and Marie Zimmerman. She also served as an elementary school cook for the Yakima School District for seven years. In addition, she faithfully dedicated over 40 years as Secretary/Treasurer for the Naches-Cowiche Canal Company. She was a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star in Selah, Washington, later transferring to the Yakima Chapter.

Mom cherished her family and found great joy in every gathering, big or small. She devoted countless hours to researching and preserving the family genealogy, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to bless generations. Her life was a living example of love, service, and faith in action.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Memorial Hospice staff, especially Soco Ortiz, our social worker, and Laurie Bush, and Laura Gillespie, her nurses. Your compassion and care were a true blessing during this difficult time. We also thank Pastor Shane Moore of Wesley United Methodist Church for his comforting words, prayers, and spiritual guidance.

Dorselene is survived by her loving daughters, Dorinda Watson-Cunha (Joseph) and Loretta Watson (Crystal Marey); her son, Kenneth Watson (Nancy); her adopted daughter, Yvonne Ullas (Linda Wood); and her grandchildren, Melissa Foster (Skyler), Kadie Fraizier (Christopher), Emily Baldwin (Michael), Matt Watson, Jon Watson, Christina Kempton, Christy Doan, and Sarah Baisinger. She is also survived by her sisters, Alma Gayken and Fay Merritt; her brothers, Carl Penuel and Ray Penuel; her great-grandchildren, Josephine June, Jack Baldwin, Mikhail Alexander, Sarah, and Tori; and many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emmer Hoffman and Doyle Green; her sisters, Dorothy Hilsabeck-Mason and Jean Kulhmann; her brothers, Jerry Dean Penuel and Gerald Hoffman; and her children, Karen Ann Watson and Lynn Adrian Watson.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and the peace of knowing she is now at rest in God’s loving arms. Her legacy of faith, love, and strength will continue to guide us until we are reunited again.

We love you more than words can say, Mom, and we will hold you in our hearts until we see you again.

Visitation will be held at Keith and Keith Funeral Home on April 8, 2026 from 3:00 - 7:00 PM. Funeral Service will be held at Keith and Keith Funeral Home April 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM with burial to follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.