- Date Of Birth: May 21, 1926
- Date Of Death: March 19, 2016
- State: Montana
Dora May (Thompson) Warren chose March 19, 2016 to pass peacefully and with grace to the next life. In her final hours after a prayer, she made family and staff at Kalispell Regional Medical Center laugh and cry joking, “I don’t know how to do this. Do I just pump my arms in the air like Sanford and Son and say ‘Take me now, Lord!’” She enjoyed life and always found something to laugh about, even in her last days.
Dora was born on a homestead near Mobridge, South Dakota, May 21, 1926. A spring blizzard blew in, but Dora’s sister and three brothers were told to stay in the cold barn while her Aunt helped deliver her at home.
She remembers going to a one room school until 4th grade where church and social activities were held too. Her father played the violin for dances. When she was 10, the Great Depression and Midwest dustbowl took the farm.
Her favorite memories were of high school years, U.S.O.
Her oldest child, MaryAnn Hayes, lives in Victorville, California near a grandson John Hayes, his wife Dawn and three great grand daughters, Mary, Ina and Allison. Granddaughter Ina Beth died in 1991.
Oldest son Gerald, from The Dalles, OR died last August. Grandson Eric Warren, his wife Jen and great grandsons Aidan and Harrison live in Missouri. Grandson, Adam lives in Oregon.
Daughter Jane and son in law Dave Renfrow, granddaughter Amber, her husband Clark Davis, and great grandchildren Ruby and Eddie all reside in Columbia Falls. Jane and Dave’s oldest daughter Cami lives in Salida, Colorado with husband Trent Hickman and two of Dora’s great grandchildren Mazie Jane and August Holt.
Son Charlie and partner Jim Purdon live in Hood River near grandsons David and Samuel and daughter in-law Stephanie Eng.
Son Mark and his wife Dawn, granddaughter Amanda Moses and great grandchildren Ryan and McKenzie are all from Anchorage, AK. Grandson David Moses, his wife Harmony and great grandchildren, Caleb and Amanda live near Dallas, TX.
Three very special people have been like daughters to Dora. Niece Linda Carter from Salem, OR was at her side when she died. Niece Penny Thompson and dear friend Jeannie and her husband Imants Krese probably made Dora laugh more than anyone with their mutual love of celebrations.
Dora’s humor and ability to find the bright side made her an optimist.
