Dorothy Scholten, age 95, went peaceably to be with her Lord and Savior on April 28, 2017 in the comfort of her home with family present.
She was born to Simon and Gerda Wesselius on July 7, 1921 in Zillah, Washington. In 1926 her family moved to rural Lynden. She attended Lynden Christian School, then Lynden High School, graduating in 1940. Dorothy attended Bellingham Business College until she married her high school sweetheart, Hank Scholten, on Dec. 30, 1941 in Lynden with World War II just beginning and Hank in the service. Three and a half years later, Hank and Dorothy made their home by Wiser Lake where Henry started in the roofing business. Dorothy helped out in the business while raising six children (Gary, Connie, Wayne, Jack, Judy and Dale). Henry and Dorothy have always been united in spirit and committed to each other. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary last December.
Dorothy loved working on fixer-uppers, doing the painting and wall papering. She enjoyed gardening and painting beautiful flowers. She canned fruits, vegetables and meats. She enjoyed water sports and boating in the summer and bowling weekly during the winter. When the kids started to leave the nest, traveling became great fun.
Dorothy and Hank were associate staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. This required extensive training each summer in California and Colorado along with working conferences during the year. They have enjoyed traveling and doing short-term mission trips to faraway places together: Russia, Israel, China, Haiti and Yugoslavia, to name a few.
Dorothy was always an adventurous, courageous and loving lady. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Her door was always open and her home was a place of comfort. She had a heart to minister and serve. She was a very special friend to many. The marvelous grace of God was so special to her.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Henry Scholten; a sister, Luella Hoeff; her children and their spouses: Gary and Nancy Scholten, Connie and Ken Hill, Wayne and Kathy Scholten, Jack Scholten, Judy and Keith Landrus, and Dale and Becky Scholten.
Dorothy and Hank were blessed with 32 grand- and great-grandchildren. Dorothy had a great love for each and found much pleasure in having them in her home. She always lived a life of gratitude for God’s kindness and grace.
You are invited to join the family for a time of visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 5, in Gillies Funeral Home. The memorial service is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, in North County Christ the King Community Church, with Pastor Kurt Langstraat officiating.
Memorials may be sent to Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Drive, Lynden, WA 98264; or the Lighthouse Mission, 910 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225. You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
