Dorothy Bess Olsen passed away on May 13, 2016 at the age of 91. She was born August 16, 1924 on the H-T Ranch near Amidon, Slope County, North Dakota to Robert and Agnes Beebe. She was the youngest of three children joining a brother Don James and sister Ellen Louise.

The family moved from North Dakota to South Pasadena, CA in 1932 where she graduated from high school in 1942. As a teenager, Dorothy enjoyed Spanish dancing. Following graduation, Dorothy went to work in a defense plant manufacturing radio crystals during World War II.

Dorothy moved to Oak Harbor in 1966 where she was employed by the Island County Assessor’s Office, retiring as Chief Deputy. Dorothy married Christain “Chris” D. Olsen, a retired Air Traffic Controller Navy Chief Petty Officer, and the love of her life, on May 5, 1974 in Oak Harbor, bringing together a family with eight children. Chris worked for Haddon Furniture in Oak Harbor for many years until his retirement.

Dorothy and Chris both retired in 1984 and began traveling across the state, attending Grand Lodge meetings of the Masonic Lodge. They also traveled across the U.S. and internationally, visiting family and friends and enjoyed sightseeing from their motorhome. Eventually they became snowbirds spending winters in the southwest.
Dorothy was a life-time member of Eastern Star and a 55-year member of Tula Chapter of Coupeville and Madrona Chapter of Anacortes. She attended the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church and was a member of the Daughters of the Nile for over 35 years.

Dorothy is survived by three biological children and their spouses: Jim Snyder (Vivian) of Lorton, VA; Mike Smith (Betty) of Marysville, WA; Betsy Burlingame (Richard) of Sequim, WA and four stepchildren and their spouses: Ann Espedal (Glen) of Astoria, OR; Bruce “Jameson” Olsen of Snohomish, WA; Carl Olsen (Eleanor) of Centralia, WA and David Olsen of Portland, OR. She was preceded in death by her husband Chris, her parents, sister and brother and one stepdaughter Judith deVaux.

A Celebration of Life will be jointly held for Dorothy and Chris at Wallin Funeral Home July 9, 2016 at 11am. Rev. Fred Noyes of Winthrop, WA will officiate and the Whidbey Island Lodge #15, F&AM and the Order of Eastern Star Madrona Chapter will provide memorial services. Military honors for Chris will follow under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard. A reception will follow for family and friends. Dorothy and Chris will be interred together at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Oak Harbor. At their request in lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in their name.

Affiliations

Daughters of the Nile
Eastern Star
United Methodist Church