Dorothy Nighswonger's Obituary
Dorothy was born in Tacoma, Washington to Henry and Alta Cleary. She had two older sisters; Viola (Lund) and Hazel (Kornegay).
Dorothy graduated from Lincoln High School in 1946. Dorothy and Robert Dimond were married in 1948 and had four children during their marriage; David (Deborah) Dimond, Debra Burrill (Dean Ward), Denise (Ron) Kitchell and Diane (Stephen) Fuson. In later years, Dorothy married Alan Nelson and after his death in 1980 she married Troy (Tuffy) Nighswonger. Dorothy has nine grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. Preceding her in death her parents, sisters, daughter Denise, and husband Troy.
What is most memorable about Dorothy’s life is her faith in the Lord, love of her family and her kind and generous spirit. Dorothy and Bob were early members of Good Shepard Lutheran Church and then were founding members of Our Savior Lutheran Church. In later years when Dorothy and Tuffy lived in Salkum, Washington they were members of Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church. Dorothy was an active church member, read her Bible daily and lived her life according to her beliefs.
Dorothy showed her family her love with her time and attention. She was always there when you needed her. Dorothy was there when a new baby was born, usually with a pink or blue crocheted baby blanket. She was a great cook and hosted many family dinners. She was adamant that her meals were nutritious and delicious and no one should leave the table hungry. Dorothy loved to bake, and you learned at a young age where Grandma stored her homemade cookies. Dorothy was also known for baking the best pies, with the flakiest pie crust.
Dorothy was an avid gardener. She grew flowers and raised many types of dahlias, begonias and fuchsias. She also vegetable gardened, with her favorite being homegrown tomatoes. Dorothy loved to read. In her later years she would have a stack of books that she was reading, usually reading several books at the same time.
From Dorothy’s account, she lived a very rich and full life. If you knew Dorothy, you would say she was spunky to the end. She will be greatly missed by her family
What’s your fondest memory of Dorothy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dorothy?
Share a story where Dorothy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorothy you’ll never forget.
How did Dorothy make you smile?
