Dorothy Lavone Bierbower

On September 27, 2021, Dorothy Lavone Bierbower, at the age of 93, went peacefully to sleep and woke up in the loving arms of Jesus.
Dorothy was born in Abilene, Kansas November 27, 1927 to Fred and Kathleen Buhler. As a child her family moved from Kansas to Downey, California. At the age of 17 she met, and then married, Carroll Bierbower on July 5, 1945 when Carroll was serving in the Navy during WW2. After Carroll was discharged, they settled in Downey, CA. where her three daughters, Kathi, Elaine and Janet were born. She then moved to Delano, CA. when her husband was transferred with So. CA. Edison. There her son, James was born. With another transfer she moved to Newhall, CA. where her daughter, Lois was born. The last transfer was to Quartz Hill, CA. What she felt was one of her greatest accomplishments was when she went back to school and graduated the LVN program at Antelope Valley College. She worked for a time at Kaiser Permanente in Lancaster, CA., but had to give up nursing due to severe allergies and asthma. She spent many years traveling back and forth from Quartz Hill to Carpinteria, CA. where she needed the damp air to help relieve her asthma. She eventually moved to Cave Junction, OR. to care for her mother.
Dorothy loved the outdoors, especially the coast. She also enjoyed working with miniatures and made quite a few displays, including building a miniature house, which she was unable to finish due to illness. Painting was also one of her hobbies and many members of her family have one or more of her beautiful paintings displayed in their homes.
Dorothy loved her family dearly, and was completely heartbroken when her only son, James, passed away in 2007 due to brain cancer. It was shortly after that she started to show early signs of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Dorothy was proceeded in death by her son, James Ray Bierbower; her father, Fred Buhler; her mother, Kathleen Mucklow-Bryant; brothers, Irving Leigh Jr. (Laddie), and Robert Buhler; sisters, Diane Webb and Joan Trefethen.
She is survived by her husband of 76 years, Carroll Ray Bierbower, of Grants Pass, OR.; daughters Kathi Johnson, Cave Junction, OR., Elaine Moore, Grants Pass, OR., Janet Boucher, Colorado, Lois Bierbower, Bakersfield, CA. Grandchildren, Andrea Richards, Palmdale, CA., Dan Richards, St. Cloud, FL., Bryon Richards, Mesa, AZ., Rick Bierbower, Quartz Hill, CA., Tim Murphy, Boise, ID., Chris Weitz, Phoenix, AZ., Rebecca Bierbower, Cave Junction, OR., and Christopher, who was adopted at birth. Also survived by 18 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren, with the 9th due next year; sister, Delores Karns, of Fresno, CA. and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family of Dorothy would like to thank the loving and caring staff of Applegate Memory Care for the exceptional care that she has received for the last several years; also, Signature Hospice who have been with her in these last weeks of her life.
There will be a graveside service at 1:00 p.m., October 6, 2021 at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Grants Pass. Hull and Hull Mortuary of Grants Pass in charge of arrangements. Brother-in-law Don Bierbower officiating. The family will be planning a memorial/celebration of life at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, if anyone so chooses, please donate to The Alzheimer’s Association in Dorothy’s name.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Proverbs 31:26-28