Dorothy J. Rider's Obituary
DOROTHY J. RIDER
“Dottie”
“Grandma Pink Toes”
April 9, 1929 to April 16, 2024
Where to begin, Dorothy (Allen) Rider, a beloved Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, and Grandmother. Known as “Aunt Dottie” to many nieces and nephews…both first, second, and third generations. Passed on April 16, 2024, a beautiful Spring Day.
Dorothy was born to Clarence F. and Anna Anderson Allen on April 9, 1929, in Twin Falls, Idaho. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Charles Allen, Howard Allen, and sister Virginia (Ginny) Shacklett.
She was a loving wife to Les Rider for 28 wonderful years. Traveling and enjoying their life together, as well as sharing wonderful times with family and friends.
She had two sons, John Wegener (Debbie) and David Wegener. She was a loving Mother and a guiding light in her son’s lives. She also loved Les’s two daughters Amy Rider and Leslie (Mark) Fleming like they were her own. She had three grandchildren, Kelsey (Cromaz), Greg, and Alec (Wegener). She also held a special spot in her heart for Jennifer Coen, who she considered a granddaughter.
She graduated from Twin Falls High School, attended Colorado Women’s College in Denver Colorado, and Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, where she obtained both her Bachelor and Master Degrees in Education.
She started her teaching career at Lake Louise Elementary in Clover Park School District. Known for her Nutcracker Plays and Trips Around the World with her students. She loved her students and looked forward to every new school year. She was an exceptional teacher, recognized for her teaching skills by her peers as well as her students and their families. She was given the opportunity to culminate her career as the Director for the Clover Park School District’s ECEAP/Head Start retiring in 1996.
She had a strong faith and was a spiritual leader as a Sunday School Teacher, Elder and Deacon at the Little Church on the Prairie in Lakewood.
Known to her grand kids and their friends as “Grandma Pink Toes”. She would always get big hugs and smiles from them every time they would see her.
She had a tremendous sense of humor. You might have seen her dressed up as Clown or a Rabbit at a school bus stop. An avid walker, nature enthusiast, beachcomber, sunrise and sunset lover, and rainbow chaser.
A friend to many, including her group of Best Friends Forever (BFF’s), Book Club Friends, and Members of the Dotha McCormick Guild, and the list goes on…
Her departing words to all those she met and loved were “Consider Yourself Hugged” !!!
She will be greatly missed, never forgotten, always in our hearts, and forever hugged !!!
A celebration of her life will be held at The Little Church on the Prairie, Lakewood, WA on June 1, 2024 at 1:00 pm
The Family suggests memorials be given to The Little Church on the Prairie Deacon Fund,
6310 SW Motor Ave, Lakewood, WA 98499 OR a Charity of the donor’s choice.
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?