Dortha Irene Kilgore

March 4, 1937 – July 10, 2024 - Dortha Irene Kilgore, of Molalla, Or., passed away peacefully the morning of July 10, 2024. Her daughter was by her side, where she resided in Denison, Texas. Dortha was born on March 4, 1937 in Albany, California to Willie "Velma" and Byron Richard Truitt. She spent her childhood growing up in nearby Hanford, Ca. where her parents ran the local grocery. It was common to see young Dortha working alongside her parents, or delivering grocery orders around town on her bicycle.

Dortha found joy in knitting. Creating beautiful gifts for her family and friends. She also donated warm hats and mittens to local childrens charities. She enjoyed spending hours tending to her garden of beautiful Roses and Irises. Her faith was also a significant part of her life. She and her husband George were long time members of the Molalla Methodist Church. She enjoyed singing in the choir. In addition to her hobbies, Dortha had a passion for sports. She followed baseball and football, always cheering on her favorite teams, The Padres and The Chargers. She was also an avid bowler, and once bowled a perfect 300 game!

Dortha married the love of her life, George, in San Diego in 1987. They shared many wonderful years together. In the early 1990's they chose to retire in Oregon. They fell in love with the historic blue farmhouse they called home in Molalla. Their love and devotion to each other was obvious to everyone who knew them.

Dortha was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She is survived by her sister, Susan Truitt-Valdez and spouse Andrew Valdez; her daughter Shari L. Bowlen-Moore and her husband Michael W. Moore. Her five Grandchildren, Raymond Michael Lawson, Scott Thomas Bowlen Lawson, Misty Blue Beaumont, Dortha Lee Schuitema, Kenneth Joseph Lee Cassidy; and nine great grandchildren. She loved each and every one of us wholly and unconditionally.

Dortha Irene was preceded in death by her husband George Edward Kilgore; her brother Richard Truitt; and her youngest daughter Sandra Lee Schuitema. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her, but her memory will live on forever in the hearts of those of us who loved her.

A memorial service will be held at the Molalla Funeral Chapel On August 8, 2024 at 11:00 am to celebrate Dortha's life and to honor her memory.