Obituary of Shirley Dochow

No Visitation Shirley E Dochow, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and wife passed away peacefully on January 3, 2012 at age 88. Shirley had a smile and friendly greeting for everyone and will be remembered for her kindness and love for her family. She enjoyed playing cards and ringing the bells at Panorama City, in Lacey, Washington where she lived for the past 14 years. She was an accomplished silversmith and lapidary professional. Shirley and her late husband, John, of over 60 years enjoyed rock hunting and collecting a wide variety of specimens from around the United States and abroad. Their hobby led to the opening of a business, Gemcrafters, in Yakima, Washington which she and John ran for many years until around 1980. People would seek out Shirley if they wanted a custom handmade piece of jewelry, usually with a hand cut and polished stone and elaborate silver or gold work. John specialized in polishing and cutting large petrified wood while Shirley did the jewelry and cabochons. She also enjoyed painting and became quite accomplished. Some of her hobbies included quilting, reading and doing needle work. She was also active in the Dry Creek Grange with John when they lived in Port Angeles, WA. She was predeceased by her brother, Bryan Martin of Centralia, WA. The family has many fond memories of its time with mom and grandma at the beach and family gatherings. She enjoyed collecting and eating razor clams and oysters with her family. Her love has touched all of us and she will be deeply missed. Shirley is survived by 3 sons, 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Children: John and Dale Dochow, Casa Grande, AZ Darrel and Nancy Dochow, Sammamish, WA Howard and Gail Dochow, Star, ID Grandchildren: Matt and Janine Belleque, Dallas, OR John and Julie Dochow, Casa Grande, AZ Trevor and Janelle Dochow, Vancouver, WA Jeff Dochow, Olympia, WA Cory Dochow, Seattle, WA Kerry Dochow, Bothell, WA Will and Amber Armstrong, Wesley Chapel, FL Great Grandchildren (9 boys and 2 girls): Matthew, Brode, Alyssa, Caleb, Gwenyth, Michael, Jacob, Tyler, Josh, Tayllor and Connor. Shirley was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is missed greatly. Please sign the guestbook below.