Obituary of Dorothy Alverson Thomas

Dorothy Alverson Thomas Dorothy Mae Alverson Thomas was born April 6, 1917 in Yakima, Washington to parents Ollie (Robinson) and Benjamin Kendall. She passed away peacefully at home on February 23, 2012 surrounded by her family. In 1930, Dorothy and her mother moved to Centralia, where they operated the Horseshoe Café. Dorothy married George R. Alverson in 1935 and moved to Olympia. From 1951 to 1961, they owned and operated Alverson’s Lake Road Grocery in Lacey, Washington. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary before his passing in 1961. In 1964, Dorothy married Dean B. Thomas. They were married 46 years until his passing in 2009. She was a lifelong member of the Salvation Army church and enjoyed the fellowship she received there. She was a member of Home League and volunteered for numerous church functions. She enjoyed quilt making, collecting Hummels and dolls, but most of all she loved her four children, 16 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She was employed by Cunningham’s Jewelry and Furniture in Olympia for over 25 years. Dorothy was preceded in death by two daughters, Elaine Marie Alverson in 1938 and Kathryn Ann Alverson in 1941. She is survived by her son Edward Alverson (Louise), daughters Eileen Fagan, Laura Plonski (Jim) and Marilyn Nelson (Jim). Dorothy was also blessed to have a lifelong friendship with Alberta Smith whose friendship and support was always cherished and appreciated. Even as Dorothy’s Alzheimer’s disease progressed, she always recognized her friend. Special thanks go to all the caregivers that enabled her to stay in her own home during the last few years of her life, especially her daughter Eileen. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army, PO Box 173, Olympia, WA 98507. Please leave memories of Dorothy or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.