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Obituary of Dorothy Mae Bartelson
Dorothy M Bartelson (Debbie), age 84, passed away to her heavenly home on August 1, 2023, at Good Samaritan Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 13, 1938, in Hickory, Kentucky to Clifford and Gilena Johnson.
Debbie lived in Kentucky, California, and Oregon before moving to Edgewood, Washington where she raised her five children. She worked as a restaurant waitress, at Boeing Food Service and in 1985 started the family trucking company, Bartelson Transport where she eventually retired.
“My Family, My Everything” Best known for her deep love for family. Debbie’s most favorite moments were spending time with them. She was everyone’s biggest fan, with the loudest voice in the crowd. She also had a crazy love for wrestling. When the grandchildren were young, she loved spending time with them at her Shelton water property, digging for clams, finding starfish, eating french toast and making milkshakes. In addition to her love for sports and spending time at Shelton she enjoyed dancing to country music, playing solitaire, reading mystery books, picking berries for pies, and cooking. Cooking was one of her best talents, her fried chicken and homemade cookies were one of her children’s favorites. She was also famous for her loud whistle; when her children heard the whistle, they knew it was time to come home. Debbie’s most recent joy was spending time at her Arizona house, she loved swimming in her pool and enjoying the Arizona heat.
Debbie is survived by son Mike (Kathy), daughter Shelley (Brad), son Travis (Lisa), son Bryan (Jenny), son Scott (Jen) and her Chihuahua Chevy. Her beloved 13 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild; as well as nieces and nephews. Debbie was preceded in death by her late husband Byron, her parents and older brother Joe Johnson. She touched so many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Services will be held on Friday, August 18th at 2:00 PM.
Sumner Family Church
1400 Silver St
Sumner, 98390
Celebration of Life immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Debbie’s memory to The Dementia Society of America.
