Dorothy Annette Saunders Renz, 76, a former Baker County resident, died Sept. 22, 2002, at Ashley Manor Care Center in Redmond.
Her graveside memorial service will be Saturday, Sept. 28, at 1 p.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery. Pastor Dennis Hickman of First Lutheran Church will officiate. Disposition will be by cremation.
A reception will follow at the Sumpter Junction Restaurant.
Dorothy was born in New Bridge on March 25, 1926, to Merritt and Eva Saunders. She lived with her parents, and two younger brothers, Stan and Bud, on a beautiful ranch in Richland for the next 18 years.
Dorothy lived her life as a kind and gentle person. She never met a stranger, ate chocolate at every opportunity, and was always ready for the next adventure. Her laugh and smile will be carried in the hearts of all who knew her.
Dorothy was valedictorian of her graduating class at Eagle Valley High School. She was very proud of her achievement and often shared her pride with her son and daughter as she encouraged them to pursue a quality education. Following her high school graduation, she left Richland for Yakima, Wash., to attend business college. She worked in a local movie theater while attending school, one of those adventures about which she liked to reminisce.
Dorothy moved back to Baker and married Howard Donald Renz in 1947. Dorothy and Don had two children, Lynn and Mike. Don passed away in 1993.
Dorothy used her business college training and secured positions of responsibility with the State of Oregon Highway Department, the Pine-Eagle School district and the job she loved best, caseworker for the State of Oregon Social Services Department. Dorothy was always happiest when she could help others.
The musical talent, famous in the Saunders family, didn’t skip Dorothy. She played the violin, loved to sing in community choirs, and always sang along when any music was playing.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Mike Renz and Lynn Renz Brogan; and two granddaughters, Hillary and Megan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Redmond, Sisters and Grant County Chapter, in care of Gray’s West & Company, P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, September 27, 2002
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor