Dorothy was born in San Francisco, California to Hazel Free and Cecil Russell. She grew up in the Orting valley on her grandparents’ farm during the depression. Attending Orting schools until 1939, Dorothy and her grandmother moved to Puyallup, Washington where she continued her education. She graduated from Puyallup High School in 1942.
Dorothy worked throughout her life. She began in the Orting berry fields and worked in canneries in Puyallup as a teenager. Throughout WWII she worked for Todd Shipyard, riding a bike around the facility to deliver parts and mail. While raising her children, she drove school bus for the Franklin Pierce School District, retiring in 1983.
Dorothy lived in her home on Golden Givens Rd. for 70 years where she raised her four children, Sandra Carlson, Terry Bartelme, Gayla Bartelme and Shelly Davis. She is survived by her four children, seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She had great love for her family. Dorothy loved to dance, her specialty, at the Tacoma Elks and the Puyallup Eagles where she was a member for many years. She spent years on bowling teams at Pacific Bowl. She was an avid, serious pinochle player, playing weekly. She made many life-long friendships through her activities and throughout her long life. She cherished her wonderful friends. Special thanks to Krisann Raush for being Mom’s weekly card partner. Dorothy loved animals having many dogs, cats, and even a pig. She would take in strays and always had treat for her grand dogs when they came to visit.
To her extended family, the Russells she sends her love.
Special thanks to the caregivers at Magnolia Adult Family home for their care of Mom these last two years.
It is Dorothy’s wish to be cremated and interred at Mountain View Cemetery with her husband, Elmer Bartelme. At her request there will be no service.
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