Dorothy J. (Dot) Clemons

Dorothy J. (Dot) Clemons, age 84, entered into rest December 23, 2004 in Spokane, Wash.

She is survived by: her husband of 64 years, Lester Clemons of Othello, Wash.; daughter, Eileen Wilmot of Spokane; sons, Neil of Newport, Wash., John of Spokane, Bill of Edmonds, Wash. and Randy of Erie, Pa.; her sisters, Edna Larson of Spokane and Gin Rollis of Renton, Wash.; as well as nine grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

One son, Ronnie, died at age seven of lung cancer.

Dot exemplified many of the most admired characteristics of Christian love and service to family, friends and community. She is remembered particularly for her graciousness, unselfishness, cheerfulness and ability to give the perfect gift. She loved games, particularly cards, and this love and keen ability survived even after a stroke robbed her of short-term memory and the ability to easily converse.

By nature, shy and unwilling to be in the limelight, for seven decades she was a tireless worker behind the scenes, a doer with an unfailing twinkle in her eyes, a ready smile and a never-ending supply of kind words. She was known by many as the Cookie Queen and for years, her Friday bread baking attracted a widening circle of drop-ins for dinner.

Despite living in great pain after she was a pedestrian-auto accident victim 10 years ago, Dot never complained and always answered "how are you?" with "I'm okay." Every gesture of assistance to her prompted a sincere thank you and caregivers regarded her as the perfect patient.

Born in a Spokane log house in 1920, Dot was the last of four children of Ernest and Maude Scott. While still attending Rogers High School, she became bookkeeper for her father's Chevrolet dealership in Chewelah, Wash. There, she met Les and they were married in 1940.

Later, they lived for 17 years in Belmont, Wash., where Dot was active in the Oakesdale Presbyterian Church and a key member of the Pine Creek Club. She continued cheerful and generous church service in each of the eastern Washington communities where she subsequently lived — in Wilbur, Coulee Dam, Ritzville, Moses Lake, Fairfield, and Othello, where she and Les lived for the past 21 years.

Visitation was held Monday, December 27, 2004. Private interment will be at Fairmount Memorial Park and a memorial service was held December 28, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. at Shadle Park Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Othello Presbyterian Church sound system fund.

Arrangements are under the care of Riplinger Funeral Home, 4305 N. Division St. in Spokane.