Dorothy J. Hutchinson

Dorothy Jeanne Hutchinson passed away on August 28, 2023, at the age of 88.  She was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1935, in Loma Linda, California to William Talmadge Sanders and Margaret Plesko Sanders.  She and her family moved to Grants Pass, Oregon when she was 8 years old.  They purchased 10 acres on the side of Mt. Baldy and lived in an army tent on the property while they built their home. 

Dorothy graduated from Grants Pass High School.  While in high school she fell in love with and married Frederick Hutchinson.  Together they raised two children—Mark Hutchinson and Debbie Evans.  They were married for 46 years until his passing in 1998.

In her 30’s Dorothy went back to school and earned her teaching degree.  She taught at Madrona Elementary for 26 years pouring her heart and soul into the children.  She often said that she “loved every minute of teaching”. 

Dorothy also had a great love for animals, adopting many cats and dogs over the years.  She also loved and cared for the many birds, deer, and turkeys that roamed her property.

Dorothy had many hobbies.  She loved reading, swimming, sewing, baking, quilting, oil and watercolor painting, and walking with her dogs.  She frequently made her delicious cinnamon rolls and lemon meringue pie as gifts for neighbors, friends, coworkers, and even the mailman.  Dorothy loved to travel, visiting at least 23 countries.  She took many classes to learn new things from how to use her computer to writing a life story. She loved to do volunteer work--reading with kids at school, teaching Primary at church, and various work with AAUW.  She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren, always sending cards and gifts on their birthdays.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Fred.  She is survived by her children Mark Hutchinson of Grants Pass and Debbie Evans (Scott-deceased) of McKinney Texas, five grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren., and two cats—Baby and Charlie. 

Thank you to the many caregivers at Autumn House, Asante Hospital, and Kinsington Memory Care. 

There will be a graveside memorial service at Hillcrest Memorial Park on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 11am. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Dorothy’s name to the Rogue Valley Humane Society or to the Alzheimer’s Association.