Obituary of Dorothy M Oliver

Dorothy M. Oliver, 96, peacefully flew to Jesus from her home in Shelton, August 26th, 2015, with family at her side. She was preceded in death by parents, Daniel and Hilma (Carlsen) Moluf; siblings, Edna Miller, Dagney Erickson and Karl Moluf; husband William S. Oliver; son John C. Oliver; and her great grandson, Franklin M. Wood. Dorothy was born 'Dorthea Mathilda Moluf' on May 6th, 1919, in Omaha, Nebraska, the third daughter of Norwegian immigrant parents. She was raised in a home steeped in the rich traditions of their Norwegian heritage and Christian faith. On July 26, 1940, Dorothy married her high school sweetheart, William "Bill" Oliver, who passed away in 1996, in the 56th year of their marriage. They raised four children, Gerald, Carol, John and Edward, moving from Nebraska to Colorado, to Montana and finally California, making their home in Sacramento. Her first job in Sacramento was running the candy counter at Woolworth's. Following her retirement from the CA State Franchise Tax Board, she got back into 'candy' and other delights as a volunteer at the Kaiser Hospital Gift Shop. In 1999, Dorothy joined Jerry, Carol, and John in Washington when she moved from Sacramento to Shelton with Ed and his family. There she spent the rest of her days. She led an active life as a frequent rider on 'Dial A Ride', a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church, a regular at the senior center, a volunteer at Shelton Health and Rehab Hymn Sing, and the list goes on. Dorothy's entire life was characterized by a fun-loving, adventurous and joyous spirit. Her touch on the piano was delicate, her voice liltingly beautiful, and her love of hymns known far and wide. She was creative in so many ways, including: gardening, knitting, crocheting, sewing, ceramics, crafts, and was an accomplished artist. Politically, she was a very vocal moral conservative, never missing an election. She loved jokes, pranks and especially games in which she was fiercely competitive and usually the winner. Though she became very feeble physically, she retained her quick, sharp mind and memory, always able to recite phone numbers, addresses and details from her childhood that amazed all. Most of all, Dorothy loved her family, and was most delighted when one called or popped in, or when a little one climbed up onto her bed and cuddled beside her. How she treasured her little sister Harriette's frequent calls and visits (and email jokes). She had such a special way of making each one of us feel very special and loved. And she was so happy she could live out her days in her own home, being lovingly cared for by her family, with the wonderful support of Providence Sound Home Care and Hospice. Dorothy has lived a good life, not always easy but consistently demonstrating grace, honesty, kindness, generosity, patience and forgiveness, always loving others and caring for their needs before her own. She was loyal to her family and friends and faithful in her devotion to Christ, desiring that all would come to know and trust Jesus personally. Dorothy was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by so many. Those who have survived her are: her sister Harriette Probst; her children, Jerry (Maggie) Oliver, Carol (Allen) Silva, and Ed (Joyce) Oliver; her grandchildren, Michael Oliver, Kevin Oliver, Monte (Anita) Silva, Monica (Stephen) Wood, Mark Silva, Nichole (Chris Howland) Kerksieck, Mike (Brittney) Oliver; and great grandchildren, Chloe and Riley Oliver, Jonathan and Simona Wood, Christina, Cacace, and Christopher Silva, Sebastian and Sadie Howland, and another little one on the way who will be told all about Great Grandma Dorothy. Friends are invited to join in a celebration of Dorothy's life at 1:00pm on Saturday, September 12th at Faith Lutheran Church, 1212 Connection Street, Shelton, 98584.