December 31, 2009

Dorothy D. Danekas

Dorothy D. Danekas, loving wife and mother, died Dec. 22, 2009, at home, surrounded by her family. 

The daughter of Arthur F. and Augusta (Rushmeir) Doerschlag, she was born June 29, 1923, at Sprague. She graduated from Sprague High School in 1942. 

She married Ralph H. Danekas, Dec. 11, 1943.  Together they owned and operated the Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville, a business they started together in 1947.

She was a member of Henretta Chapter Order of Eastern Star, served as Mother Advisory for the Ritzville Rainbow Girls for many years and was a member of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers. She loved to golf, was a great seamstress and cook and loved to entertain family and friends. The summers spent at Priest Lake are years never forgotten, so many memories, so many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Helen (Snider) Spuler; and brothers Harry, Bob, Ralph and Artie Doerschlag.

She is survived by her husband Ralph, having just celebrated 66 years of marriage; son Kirk (Ami) Danekas of Ritzville, and daughters Lexie (Karl) Kupers of Harrington and Debbie Danekas of Edmonds; sister-in-law Lucille Telecky, three grandchildren, Karla Rimmer, Darin Danekas and Kyle Kupers; and five great-grandchildren; nieces, Deanna Pearson, Marla Jo Dittrich, Carol Brown and Rae Ann Telecky; nephews, Ron Danekas, Alan Telecky and Dean Doerschlag.

Funeral services were Dec. 29, 2009, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Ritzville, followed by vault internment at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. 

The family suggests memorial contributions be made in her memory to the Ritzville Golf Association, c/o Brian Gordon, Treasurer, P.O. Box 401, Ritzville, WA  99169.

Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, was in charge of arrangements.