Obituary: Dorothy Lois Maw, The Dalles
Dorothy Lois Maw passed away on February 2, 2024 in The Dalles, OR. She was born on April 6, 1933 in Chewela, WA to Alice (Cooley) Rieckers and Richard Rieckers. She grew up on a farm as an only child until she was 10 years old, when her sister Shirley was born. The family moved to Goldendale, WA when Dorothy was in grade school and she graduated from Goldendale High School in 1951. She then went on to attend college at Eastern Washington University where she studied business.
Dorothy was featured in the Columbia Basin Care newsletter.
Dorothy married Elvis “John” Clary in 1953 and the couple welcomed three sons, Richard, Robert and Randall. Dorothy loved her sons with her whole heart, always doting upon them and ironing their clothes each day before school. Dorothy and John eventually parted ways and Dorothy worked hard raising her boys in Goldendale, with the help of her parents and sister, Shirley. In those years, Dorothy was briefly employed as a waitress at the Oasis and then as the lead checker at Safeway. Later on, Dorothy worked as the Deputy Treasurer for the Klickitat County Courthouse and remained in that position until her retirement. In 1972, Dorothy married William “Bill” Saunders. Bill and Dorothy had a loving and fun-filled marriage, traveling to Hawaii and also to various states while Bill represented the Klickitat Sawmill as their Union President. They loved to camp and spend time with their children. Bill passed away in 1982 and eventually Dorothy was swept off her feet by another man, “Vernie” Maw, whom she met at the Oasis in Goldendale. They later married and were together until Vern’s passing in 2012.
With Vern, Dorothy was able to experience the world through travel and visited China, Mexico, Hawaii, New Zealand, and Australia. One of Dorothy’s favorite memories in life was visiting the Great Wall of China. Dorothy also visited Romania in 2006 with her granddaughter Shelby and Dr. James Ogden of Goldendale, where they offered free eye exams and glasses for those in need. In her later years, Dorothy and Vern owned a timeshare and also had homes in Ocean Shores, WA and Mesa, AZ but always considered Goldendale and the Simcoe Mountains her home.
Dorothy was a dedicated grandmother to six granddaughters, one grandson and many beloved step-grandchildren. After raising three boys, she relished in the experience of being a grandma to so many girls. Dorothy was very talented at crocheting and knitting and was constantly making blankets, sweaters and hats for her grandchildren. Her grandkids have many fond memories of visiting her at her home in Goldendale while they were growing up and can still hear the clinking of her crochet needles. She loved putting them in cute outfits and taking them around town to show them off to her friends. She was an immensely proud grandma and deeply loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dorothy thrived in social settings and made many wonderful friends over the years. You could often find her at the Legion in Goldendale. She wasn’t a drinker but she loved to chat and be around people. Dorothy was an amazing baker and fed her family delicious pies, cookies, and fudge. She was involved in the senior citizen community in Goldendale and was a proud member of the knitting club “The Yarn Benders”. Dorothy had a firecracker personality and will be remembered for her humor, honesty and her beautiful smile.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her three husbands; son Randie; and sister Shirley.
A memorial service will be held at Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel, 300 W. Broadway St. Goldendale, WA, on Saturday, February 17th at 1:00pm. Graveside following at Mt. View Cemetery IOOF, also in Goldendale. A celebration of Dorothy’s life will then be held at The American Legion, 108 N. Grant St. Goldendale, WA, where all are welcome to join.
Arrangements are under the direction of Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel • 300 W. Broadway Street (Post Office Box 134), Goldendale, Washington 98620 • (509) 772-2636. Visit www.gardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for family.
