Obituary of Dorothy Marie Kirsch

Dorothy Marie Kirsch January 4, 1922-September 16, 2013 Wife. Mother. Grandmother. World traveler. Songwriter. Poet. Dorothy was all that and more in a wonderful life that spanned nearly 92 years. Dorothy was born in Vancouver, Wash., to Reinhold and Bessie Dux. With her parents both working full-time Reinhold was a tailor and Bessie a storekeeper, Dorothy often recalled how, as a young child, she easily negotiated the streets of her neighborhood and beyond as she visited friends and family. She maintained a keen sense of direction her entire life. Dorothy's parents lost nearly everything in the Great Depression, which led to a move to Camas, Wash., where Dorothy graduated from Camas High in 1940. She met Larry Kirsch at Lacamas Lake and they married in 1941. They became the parents of daughters Laurel in 1942 and Nancy in 1952. Larry and Dorothy bought a beach cabin nicknamed Hodge Podge Lodge in Ocean Park, Wash., in the 1960s and enjoyed many weekends there. They also traveled to Victoria, Toronto, New York City and the Bahamas. Dorothy also took trips to Europe and Russia with tour groups. Dorothy worked for many years as a cook in Camas schools, and enjoyed swing dancing with Larry, as well as baking, sewing and collecting dolls. She was a member of the International Order of Foresters, the Oak Park Social Club, Camas Garden Club and Portland Doll Club. She also was a former queen of the Red Hats. In her later years, Dorothy enjoyed incorporating family and friends in her handwritten songs and poems. One of her tunes, "I've Grown Accustomed to the Place," became the unofficial theme song for Van Mall Retirement, where she resided for the past nine years. Dorothy is survived by daughter Nancy Horton husband Stan of Portland, granddaughter Katie Horton husband Cyrus of Beaverton and grandson Kyle Hortonfiance Bob of Milwaukee, Wis. Dorothy and Larry celebrated 50 years of marriage in 1991, just before his passing. Daughter Laurel Kirsch died in 2011 and sister Mae Wineman in 1989. A celebration of Dorothy's life will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, at Straub's Funeral Home, 325 N.E. Third Ave., Camas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Ray Hickey Hospice House, 2112 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661. Straub's Funeral Home and Columbia River Cremation in Camas has been entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.