Dorathy Wynn Smith
Dorathy Wynn Smith, 73, lifelong Washington State resident, passed away May 9, 2024, in Moses Lake, Wash., at the age of 73. She was born Nov. 8, 1950, in Eatonville, Wash., to Orval F. Smith and Williane H. Smith (Wehmhoefer), the second oldest of three children.
She graduated from Eatonville High School in 1969. She was raised on a farm and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Her love of animals continued throughout her life.
Dorathy experienced great love and loss throughout life, early on learning to live a life of extraordinary selflessness and dedication to all, especially her children. Rather than attend college, Dorathy chose to care for her mother living with chronic kidney disease until she passed away five days prior to Dorathy giving birth to her own second child while caring for her eldest son, then three years old.
Dorathy was a hardworking daughter and parent, loyal to her children, family, friends and her employers She worked often two and three jobs to provide. This afforded her the opportunity to achieve homeownership, providing a stable and healthy home for her children in 1986 while living in Port Orchard, Wash.
She served 28 years in her longtime career with the Washington State Liquor Control Board and moved to the community of Moses Lake, Wash., in 1997 as a store manager, until she retired early in 2012.
She continued to live in Moses Lake with her two adult children, who chose to call this home along with her. Dorathy appreciated the beautiful area, weather, and community of Moses Lake and was an active participant of the local Eagle’s Club from which she enjoyed helping at the Grant County Fair each summer, and traveling to Winnemuca, Nev., with members and friends twice a year for many years. Eventually, her chronic kidney disease and other health issues made participating in these activities to difficult.
She loved to travel with family and friends on camping trips to Moclips and Ocean Shores, Wash.
Throughout life, she was a fan of Daytona racing, fishing, camping, animals, reading, puzzles, country music, and time with friends and family. From 1992 until 1995, Dorathy and a former spouse owned and ran State Central Speedway in Ephrata, Wash., where she actively embraced the community within and around the racetrack.
Dorathy had two children of whom she was a devoted mother and was blessed with her only two grandchildren of whom she was able to continue to show her loving dedication until the moment she fell asleep in death.
Mom was the strongest, most enduring, patient, and loving person we knew. She had a beautiful smile and an infectious laugh. We are grateful for her and all her dedicated love.
Prior to her death, Dorathy studied with Jehovah’s Witnesses with whom she developed a love of God and hope for the promised resurrection to come. We yearn for the day Jehovah God and Jesus Christ resurrect her so that we may be with her for all time.
Dorathy was preceded in death by her parents, Orval and Williane, older brother William Russell Zaikawsky, and his son, William Rusty Zaikawsky, of whom Dorathy was close to until they passed.
She is survived by her son, Randall Steven Smith, daughter Elizabeth Williane Kraft (Smith), son-in-law Matthew P. Kraft, granddaughter Micah Wynn Cruz, grandson Cameron John Cruz, sister Suzanne O. Cunningham (Smith), beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends: also leaving behind three beloved cats (Smokey, Benjamin, and Firefly).
A local memorial celebration will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024, in Moses Lake, Wash., at 2:30 p.m. for close family and local friends. A second memorial service will be held in Moclips, Wash., with the date to be set later for friends and family in Western Washington.
Dorathy Wynn Smith lived in Washington her entire life, but loved to travel with friends and family when she was able.